. "Advanced_Metal_Composites(AMC)" . . "Advanced metal composites" . . "Composite_Materials (CM)" . . "Composite materials" . . "PE" . . "Plastic electronics" . . "RFID" . . "RFID" . . "RM" . . "Regenerative medicine" . . "Doctoral Level Training" . . "Fellowships" . . "JIF" . . "PPE" . . "Research Grants" . . "Small Facility Operations" . . "Training Grants" . . "Academic Fellowship" . . "Advanced Fellowship" . . "Career Acceleration Fellowships" . . "Centre for Doctoral Training" . . "Discipline Hopping Awards" . . "Engineering Doctorate" . . "FORESIGHT LINK" . . "FORESIGHT LINK (FLA3)" . . "Faraday" . . "Fast Stream" . . "First Grant - Revised 2009" . . "First Grant Scheme" . . "Follow on Fund" . . "IMRC" . . "JIF" . . "Joint Research Equipment Initiative (JREI)" . . "LINK" . . "LSI Doctoral Training Centres" . . "Leadership Fellowships" . . "MTP" . . "Mathematical Sciences Small Grants" . . "Maths for Engineers Summer Schools" . . "Network" . . "North West Review" . . "Overseas Travel Grants (OTGS)" . . "Partnerships for Public Engagement" . . "Platform Grants" . . "Portfolio Partnerships" . . "Postdoctoral Mobility" . . "Postdoctoral Research Fellowship" . . "Professorial Research Fellowship" . . "Programme Grants" . . "RAIS" . . "ROPA" . . "Research Chairs" . . "Science and Innovation Awards" . . "Senior Fellowship" . . "Senior Media Fellowship" . . "Small Facility Operations" . . "Standard Research" . . "Strategic Equipment Initiative" . . "Technology Programme" . "EPSRC Host Activities" . "People Grants" . "Public Engagement" . "Responsive" . "Targeted" . "Training" . . . "BBSRC Roslin Institute (Edinburgh)" . . . "Babraham Institute" . . . "Birmingham Heartlands Hospital NHS Trust" . . . "CRUK Cambridge Research Institute" . . . "Cancer Research UK" . . . "Imperial College of Science Technology & Medicine" . . . "Institute of Child Health (University College London)" . . . "Institute of Ophthalmology (University College London)" . . . "Institute of Psychiatry (King's College London)" . . . "MRC Cancer Cell Unit" . . . "MRC Clinical Sciences Centre" . . . "MRC Human Genetics Unit" . . . "MRC Molecular Haematology Unit" . . . "National Institute for Medical Research" . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2007-04-01" . "2008-08-31" . "No" . . "808154.35"^^ . "DT/E005039/1" . "Announced" . . "Chameleon Spots" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2009-09-01" . "2011-03-31" . "Yes" . . "429779.59"^^ . "DT/E005039/2" . "Announced" . . "Chameleon Spots" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . . "2006-11-13" . "2010-08-12" . "Yes" . . "364750.02"^^ . "DT/E005233/1" . "Announced" . . "Bioactive Biodegradable Nano-Composite (BBNC) Materials for Regnerative Medicine" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . . "2007-05-31" . "2010-05-30" . "Yes" . . "310422.64"^^ . "DT/E006469/1" . "Announced" . . "Bioactive Biodegradable Nano-Composite (BBNC) Materials for Regnerative Medicine" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2007-04-01" . "2009-12-31" . "Yes" . . "228793.42"^^ . "DT/E00685X/1" . "Announced" . . "Commingled Biomaterials from Nature (COMBINE)" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2007-05-14" . "2010-05-13" . "Yes" . . "231984.05"^^ . "DT/E006981/1" . "Announced" . . "Chameleon Spots" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2007-04-16" . "2010-04-15" . "Yes" . . "310540.6"^^ . "DT/E01030X/1" . "Announced" . . "High Efficiency Solid State Light Sources Deposited by HITUS" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2007-04-02" . "2009-07-01" . "No" . . "188572.38"^^ . "DT/E010520/1" . "Announced" . . "Embedding of RFID tags into an electrically conductive track - TRACK-TRONIC" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2007-03-01" . "2010-02-28" . "Yes" . . "348939.32"^^ . "DT/E010830/1" . "Announced" . . "Low Cost Flexible Active Matrix Backplane for Flexible Substrates (LoCoFAMS)" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2007-09-01" . "2009-11-30" . "Yes" . . "157974.16"^^ . "DT/F002688/1" . . "Printed high voltage flexible inorganic transistors" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2007-10-01" . "2009-09-30" . "Yes" . . "202711.55"^^ . "DT/F002955/1" . "Announced" . . "Creation of non-volatile organic memory RFID tags (sleepertag)" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2008-07-01" . "2011-06-30" . "Yes" . . "196583.23"^^ . "DT/F006306/1" . "Announced" . . "SMART-HIP: Smart bioactive nanocomposite coatings for enhanced hip protheses" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2008-06-26" . "2011-06-25" . "Yes" . . "192165.19"^^ . "DT/F006349/1" . "Announced" . . "SMART-HIP: Smart bioactive nanocomposite coatings for enhanced hip protheses" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2008-04-14" . "2011-04-13" . "Yes" . . "627945.18"^^ . "DT/F006977/1" . "Announced" . . "Artificial Ligament with Bioactive Nanostructure (ALBioN)" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2008-04-01" . "2011-03-31" . "Yes" . . "198367.4"^^ . "DT/F007183/1" . "Announced" . . "SMART-HIP: Smart bioactive nanocomposite coatings for enhanced hip protheses" . . . . . . . . . . . "Building upon the Kent-Warwick partnership's long-standing and productive experience in the study of the atomic and meso-scale structure of novel sol-gel materials, we seek to understand at a similar level of sophistication the structure of phosphate-based glasses of potential importance within dentistry and soft tissue regeneration. The Eastman Dental Institute (UCL) hosts world leading research in the use of melt-quenched phosphate glasses within this medical context. This proposal will allow the first exploration of the synthesis and processing of novel variants on these materials using sol-gel methods (tailored for composition, porosity, etc.) and their in vitro characterisation. The proposed research programme centres on the exploratory study of the structural properties of an important set of melt- and gel-produced bioactive materials on the atomic scale using an extensive characterisation methodology which, to our knowledge, represents a uniquely wide-ranging approach to the study of such systems. The work will involve in-situ/time-resolved studies of key stages in the materials processing, and be explicitly focused on providing an improved understanding of their bioactive properties. The structure of the team is such that, at all stages," . "Building upon the Kent-Warwick partnership's long-standing and productive experience in the study of the atomic and meso-scale structure of novel sol-gel materials, we seek to understand at a similar level of sophistication the structure of phosphate-based glasses of potential importance within dentistry and soft tissue regeneration. The Eastman Dental Institute (UCL) hosts world leading research in the use of melt-quenched phosphate glasses within this medical context. This proposal will allow the first exploration of the synthesis and processing of novel variants on these materials using sol-gel methods (tailored for composition, porosity, etc.) and their in vitro characterisation. The proposed research programme centres on the exploratory study of the structural properties of an important set of melt- and gel-produced bioactive materials on the atomic scale using an extensive characterisation methodology which, to our knowledge, represents a uniquely wide-ranging approach to the study of such systems. The work will involve in-situ/time-resolved studies of key stages in the materials processing, and be explicitly focused on providing an improved understanding of their bioactive properties. The structure of the team is such that, at all stages, the primary focus on relating the detailed structural picture to the bioactivity will not be lost. This project will concentrate on Ag/Cu-containing phosphate materials. The detailed neutron, X-ray and NMR experimental study of these materials along with the use of 'benchtop' spectroscopic and other physical methods will provide full structural characterisation. Taken together, this interdisciplinary study will provide a cogent and coherent understanding of the relationship between synthesis/processing, structure and properties, and will lead the way in providing the appropriate tools for the development and optimisation of future materials of medical importance." . . "2005-04-01" . "2008-07-31" . "No" . . "99422.315"^^ . "EP/C000633/1" . "Announced" . . "Synthesis, development and structural characterisation of antibacterial Cu and Ag-doped phosphate glasses for the prevention of orthopaedic infections" . . . . . . "Building upon the Kent-Warwick partnership's long-standing and productive experience in the study of the atomic and meso-scale structure of novel sol-gel materials, we seek to understand at a similar level of sophistication the structure of phosphate-based glasses of potential importance within dentistry and soft tissue regeneration. The Eastman Dental Institute (UCL) hosts world leading research in the use of melt-quenched phosphate glasses within this medical context. This proposal will allow the first exploration of the synthesis and processing of novel variants on these materials using sol-gel methods (tailored for composition, porosity, etc.) and their in vitro characterisation. The proposed research programme centres on the exploratory study of the structural properties of an important set of melt- and gel-produced bioactive materials on the atomic scale using an extensive characterisation methodology which, to our knowledge, represents a uniquely wide-ranging approach to the study of such systems. The work will involve in-situ/time-resolved studies of key stages in the materials processing, and be explicitly focused on providing an improved understanding of their bioactive properties. The structure of the team is such that, at all stages, the" . "Building upon the Kent-Warwick partnership's long-standing and productive experience in the study of the atomic and meso-scale structure of novel sol-gel materials, we seek to understand at a similar level of sophistication the structure of phosphate-based glasses of potential importance within dentistry and soft tissue regeneration. The Eastman Dental Institute (UCL) hosts world leading research in the use of melt-quenched phosphate glasses within this medical context. This proposal will allow the first exploration of the synthesis and processing of novel variants on these materials using sol-gel methods (tailored for composition, porosity, etc.) and their in vitro characterisation. The proposed research programme centres on the exploratory study of the structural properties of an important set of melt- and gel-produced bioactive materials on the atomic scale using an extensive characterisation methodology which, to our knowledge, represents a uniquely wide-ranging approach to the study of such systems. The work will involve in-situ/time-resolved studies of key stages in the materials processing, and be explicitly focused on providing an improved understanding of their bioactive properties. The structure of the team is such that, at all stages, the primary focus on relating the detailed structural picture to the bioactivity will not be lost. This project will concentrate on Ag/Cu-containing phosphate materials. The detailed neutron, X-ray and NMR experimental study of these materials along with the use of 'benchtop' spectroscopic and other physical methods will provide full structural characterisation. Taken together, this interdisciplinary study will provide a cogent and coherent understanding of the relationship between synthesis/processing, structure and properties, and will lead the way in providing the appropriate tools for the development and optimisation of future materials of medical importance." . . "2005-04-11" . "2008-04-10" . "No" . . "202569.266"^^ . "EP/C000714/1" . "Announced" . . "Synthesis, development and structural characterisation of antibacterial Cu and Ag-doped phosphate glasses for the prevention of orthopaedic infections" . . . . . . "The scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) is a powerful tool for the investigation of atomic-scale structures and nanometre-scale objects such as quantum dots (QDs). We intend to study a very important class of QDs using STM. These QDs are produced through a process of 'self-assembly' simply by depositing one type of semiconductor material on another (indium arsenide on gallium arsenide) in a process called molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). However, the atomic-scale processes governing the self-assembly are not well understood. The instrument we will employ to study QD self-assembly is unique worldwide in that the STM is fully integrated with the MBE system. It is based at the University of Tokyo Institute for Industrial Sciences and was designed by Dr. Shiro Tsukamoto, with whom the author has collaborated for several years. Conventional STM-MBE systems require the self-assembly process to be interrupted in order for the QDs to be imaged. Consequently, individual QDs cannot be followed through the entire growth process. We plan to follow the development of individual QDs at the atomic scale in order to elucidate the fundamental processes governing the self-assembly of semiconductor QDs. The grant will fund two visits by the author to Tokyo to perform these key experiments." . "The scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) is a powerful tool for the investigation of atomic-scale structures and nanometre-scale objects such as quantum dots (QDs). We intend to study a very important class of QDs using STM. These QDs are produced through a process of 'self-assembly' simply by depositing one type of semiconductor material on another (indium arsenide on gallium arsenide) in a process called molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). However, the atomic-scale processes governing the self-assembly are not well understood. The instrument we will employ to study QD self-assembly is unique worldwide in that the STM is fully integrated with the MBE system. It is based at the University of Tokyo Institute for Industrial Sciences and was designed by Dr. Shiro Tsukamoto, with whom the author has collaborated for several years. Conventional STM-MBE systems require the self-assembly process to be interrupted in order for the QDs to be imaged. Consequently, individual QDs cannot be followed through the entire growth process. We plan to follow the development of individual QDs at the atomic scale in order to elucidate the fundamental processes governing the self-assembly of semiconductor QDs. The grant will fund two visits by the author to Tokyo to perform these k" . . "2004-10-01" . "2005-05-31" . "No" . . "5448.54"^^ . "EP/C001370/1" . "Announced" . . "Atomic-scale studies of heteroepitaxial growth using in situ scanning tunnelling microscopy" . . . . . . "The short-term clinical performance of metal-on-metal (MOM) hip prostheses has been encouraging, with low wear and revision rates, however, there are concerns about the long-term biological effects that metal wear particles have on cells in the body. There are an increasing number of reports associating MOM hip prostheses with hypersensitivity type reactions, which lead to failure of the joint. At present patients are not tested for metal sensitivity prior to hip replacement. There is an increasing need to resolve whether metal sensitivity is a significant and/or predisposing factor for producing an over-aggressive immune response in patients with metallic components. This research will determine the pre- and post-operative incidence of metal sensitivty in patients with MOM hip prostheses using a combination of immunological methods. This will allow fundamental questions regarding the immunological responses to metal wear particles, and the role that these reponses play in determining implant life to be answered. These studies will provide valuable diagnostic tools capable of identifying patients most at risk of implant failure, leading to patient specific therapies in the form of the most suitable implant type for each patient." . . "2005-06-01" . "2009-02-28" . "No" . . "125544.32"^^ . "EP/C00163X/1" . "Announced" . . "Does hypersensitivity to metallic implant materials lead to early failure of THR?" . . . . . . "There is a need for efficient mid-infrared photodetectors which can operate at room temperature and particularly at specific wavelengths of interest corresponding to key gas absorption bands, such as 3.3um (CH4), 4.2um (CO2) and 4.5um (CO), for use in a variety of gas sensors. However, there are a number of disadvantages which currently restrict the widespread use of sensitive semiconductor photodetectors in portable gas detection instruments.In this project we will grow InAsN on InAs substrates, with small lattice mismatch using small amounts of nitrogen. High crystalline quality InAsN will be obtained, so that the quantum efficiency of the resulting devices should be high. The basic idea is to use this to achieve a high quality type I double heterostructure diode in a narrow bandgap system. More specifically, in this way we aim to extend the spectral response of a type I InAs-based photodetector out to 4.5um at room temperature." . . "2004-12-01" . "2008-02-29" . "No" . . "123593.8146"^^ . "EP/C001699/1" . "Announced" . . "Room-temperature Mid-infrared Diode Photodetectors Based on MBE Grown InNAs/InAs Alloys" . . . . . . "This project combines the physics of two-dimensional electron 'gases' (a very active field in recent years) with the physics of spin and magnetism in semiconductors, currently one of the most topical fields in condensed matter physics. It aims both to have a fundamental impact and to be of relevance to the growing field of 'spintronics'.\r\rThe programme will be concerned with the study of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) confined in n-type modulation-doped semi-magnetic Cd(Mn)Te quantum well structures. Angle-resolved resonant Raman spectroscopy will allow the measurement of the dispersions of the electronic excitations (plasmons, spin-density and single-particle excitations) in these systems, in combination with a theoretical investigation, using random phase approximations modfied to account for exchange-correlation. Application of a magnetic field leads to the formation of a spin-polarised 2DEG, enabling a detailed spectroscopic study of this model system and allowing, in combination with theory, a new handle on exchange-correlation interactions. Angle-resolved Raman measurements also allow in-plane wavevector to be used as a probe of localisation length-scales, with the Mn concentration used to control the level of alloy disorder. Raman measurem" . "This project combines the physics of two-dimensional electron 'gases' (a very active field in recent years) with the physics of spin and magnetism in semiconductors, currently one of the most topical fields in condensed matter physics. It aims both to have a fundamental impact and to be of relevance to the growing field of 'spintronics'.\r\rThe programme will be concerned with the study of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) confined in n-type modulation-doped semi-magnetic Cd(Mn)Te quantum well structures. Angle-resolved resonant Raman spectroscopy will allow the measurement of the dispersions of the electronic excitations (plasmons, spin-density and single-particle excitations) in these systems, in combination with a theoretical investigation, using random phase approximations modfied to account for exchange-correlation. Application of a magnetic field leads to the formation of a spin-polarised 2DEG, enabling a detailed spectroscopic study of this model system and allowing, in combination with theory, a new handle on exchange-correlation interactions. Angle-resolved Raman measurements also allow in-plane wavevector to be used as a probe of localisation length-scales, with the Mn concentration used to control the level of alloy disorder. Raman measurements of intrasubband excitations will allow the determination of, e.g., electron density and lifetime, not easily determined with conventional techniques for II-VI systems because of the difficulty of making electrical contacts in these materials. The majority of experimental work will be performed with Dr B Jusserand in the CNRS LPN laboratory in Paris, who has extensive experience of such work and where there is the experimental apparatus necessary to achieve the project objectives. Measurements requiring higher magnetic fields and a flexible sample geometry, and when access to very low energy excitations is not essential, will be performed in the University of Bath." . . "2005-05-01" . "2007-07-31" . "No" . . "12189"^^ . "EP/C001966/1" . "Announced" . . "Spin-polarised electron gases in semi-magnetic quantum wells" . . . . . "This feasibility study brings together two exciting trends in photonics; polymers and femtosecond laser processing. Femtosecond lasers enable refractive index modification to occur deep inside a polymer material due to multi-photon absorption at the beam focus, enabling 2 and 3 dimensional structures to be written with a resolution appraoching or less than the radiative wavelength. Polymers are rapidly forming the basis for a wide range of optical and optoelectronic components and have advantages over traditional glass and semiconductor materials.\r \r The ability to write required structures at the appropriate spatial resolution is the key objective. We propose to carry out a one year feasibility study of femtosecond laser processing of optical properties of clinical grade, ultra pure PMMA, and then study the effect of controlled doping. The proposed project will deepen our understanding of how the material properties of PMMA are modified by intense femtosecond laser pulses and characterize the technique. We plan to build on our track record in applying femtosecond lasers in material processing and in developing polymer optical waveguides and POF sensors. \r\rThe project is multidisciplinary and combines expertise in optical waveguide/fibre instrumenta" . "This feasibility study brings together two exciting trends in photonics; polymers and femtosecond laser processing. Femtosecond lasers enable refractive index modification to occur deep inside a polymer material due to multi-photon absorption at the beam focus, enabling 2 and 3 dimensional structures to be written with a resolution appraoching or less than the radiative wavelength. Polymers are rapidly forming the basis for a wide range of optical and optoelectronic components and have advantages over traditional glass and semiconductor materials.\r \r The ability to write required structures at the appropriate spatial resolution is the key objective. We propose to carry out a one year feasibility study of femtosecond laser processing of optical properties of clinical grade, ultra pure PMMA, and then study the effect of controlled doping. The proposed project will deepen our understanding of how the material properties of PMMA are modified by intense femtosecond laser pulses and characterize the technique. We plan to build on our track record in applying femtosecond lasers in material processing and in developing polymer optical waveguides and POF sensors. \r\rThe project is multidisciplinary and combines expertise in optical waveguide/fibre instrumentation, polymer and analytical chemistry at UMIST with expertise in femtosecond laser micromachining at Liverpool University. Industrial funding is in the form of a PhD studentship is provided by Unilever Research & Development, Port Sunlight." . . "2004-10-01" . "2005-09-30" . "No" . . "60270.3988"^^ . "EP/C002059/1" . "Announced" . . "Feasibility study of refractive index modication of polymers using femtosecond laser irradiation" . . . . . . "This proposal seeks to investigate some fundamental problems in composite micromechanics that have hitherto been unsolvable using the experimental techniques currently available. The study of composites micromechanics using Raman spectroscopy pioneered at the Manchester Materials Science Centre has enabled the research community to understand better the stress transfer at interfaces between resins and fibres in composite materials. This proposed study will build upon successful preliminary research conducted into the micromechanics of composite materials by using micro x-ray diffraction at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). The systems to be investigated will be interfaces in optically-opaque matrices reinforced with high-performance polymer and all-polymer composites. Novel approaches to spectroscopy will be employed to follow interfacial micromechanics from both fibre and matrix deformation in glass-fibre reinforced systems. Finally, Raman spectroscopy will be used to follow deformation micromechanics in hybrid systems consisting of both glass and natural fibres." . . "2005-02-07" . "2008-08-06" . "No" . . "258461.1262"^^ . "EP/C002164/1" . "Announced" . . "New Challenges in Composite Micromechanics" . . . . . . "Burst fractures are a severe spinal injury often requiring complex surgery. This surgery, often undertaken from both the front and the back, is used to make the spine stable, prevent pain and allow the fracture to heal. However, such surgery places great demands on both the patient and healthcare resources whilst having, at the same time, a very high risk of complications including spinal cord injury. This programme of research seeks to show whether or not using a new, innovative key hole technique, know as vertebroplasty, can perform as well biomechanically as the more traditional surgical implants. In this new method the fracture fragments will be stuck together by injecting cement through a fine needle into the damaged vertebra. This procedure is quite straight forward but needs to be carefully evaluated to make sure the method is safe and biomechanically sound through vigorous testing in the laboratory." . . "2005-04-01" . "2008-04-30" . "No" . . "264617.05"^^ . "EP/C002318/1" . "Announced" . . "Effectiveness of Vertebroplasty in the Treatment of Spinal Burst Fractures: An in-vitro study" . . . . . . "The transistors in integrated circuits have increased in speed and reduced in cost and power consumption because of reduced transistor size in successive technology generations. However, it is not possible to reduce the voltage to the same scaling factors so the electric fields have increased. The silicon dioxide which is used as the gate of these transistors is now so thin that a significant current flows through it because of direct tunnelling. This increases power consumption and reduces reliability. Future transistor generations will need a gate dielectric of higher permittivity (high-k) so allowing a larger physical thickness of dielectric to be used without increasing the equivalent electrical thickness. This is the most important single issue facing the development of a key IT technology and one in which new ideas and approaches to measurement are required. The proposed high-k materials (materials based on hafnium oxide will be studied initially) are physically and chemically very different to silicon dioxide. Considering the importance of this technological leap surprisingly little is known about their interface characteristics with silicon or about the trapping sites in the oxide. In this research programme we will collaborate with IMEC in Belgiu" . "The transistors in integrated circuits have increased in speed and reduced in cost and power consumption because of reduced transistor size in successive technology generations. However, it is not possible to reduce the voltage to the same scaling factors so the electric fields have increased. The silicon dioxide which is used as the gate of these transistors is now so thin that a significant current flows through it because of direct tunnelling. This increases power consumption and reduces reliability. Future transistor generations will need a gate dielectric of higher permittivity (high-k) so allowing a larger physical thickness of dielectric to be used without increasing the equivalent electrical thickness. This is the most important single issue facing the development of a key IT technology and one in which new ideas and approaches to measurement are required. The proposed high-k materials (materials based on hafnium oxide will be studied initially) are physically and chemically very different to silicon dioxide. Considering the importance of this technological leap surprisingly little is known about their interface characteristics with silicon or about the trapping sites in the oxide. In this research programme we will collaborate with IMEC in Belgium, SEMATECH in the USA, NMRC in Ireland and Glasgow University to achieve an understanding of the underlying science of these dielectrics. This will be done by applying both novel research tools and industry standard methods to analyse the interface and bulk trapping centres and to observe their evolution under electrical stress. A key issue will be the role of hydrogen and deuterium in these materials and the physical and electronic structure of the traps." . . "2005-02-01" . "2008-03-31" . "No" . . "191096.6276"^^ . "EP/C003071/1" . "Announced" . . "Performance, degradation and defect structure of MOS devices using high-k materials as gate dielectrics" . . . . . . "The transistors in successive generations of integrated circuits have increased in speed, use less power and cost less because of diminishing transistor sizes. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reduce the operating voltage with the same scaling factors as the physical size so the electric fields in the transistor have increased dramatically. The silicon dioxide which is used as the gate of these transistors is now so thin that a significant current flows through this insulating layer at normal operating voltages because of tunnelling. This increases power consumption and reduces reliability. Future transistor generations will need a gate dielectric of higher permittivity (high-k) that will allow a larger physical thickness to be used without increasing the equivalent electrical thickness. This is the most important single issue facing the development of integrated circuits at the moment. The high-k materials proposed by the industry (materials based on hafnium oxide are favoured at the moment) are physically and chemically very different to silicon dioxide. Considering the importance of this technological leap surprisingly little is known about their interface characteristics with silicon or about the trapping sites in the oxide. In this research progr" . "The transistors in successive generations of integrated circuits have increased in speed, use less power and cost less because of diminishing transistor sizes. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reduce the operating voltage with the same scaling factors as the physical size so the electric fields in the transistor have increased dramatically. The silicon dioxide which is used as the gate of these transistors is now so thin that a significant current flows through this insulating layer at normal operating voltages because of tunnelling. This increases power consumption and reduces reliability. Future transistor generations will need a gate dielectric of higher permittivity (high-k) that will allow a larger physical thickness to be used without increasing the equivalent electrical thickness. This is the most important single issue facing the development of integrated circuits at the moment. The high-k materials proposed by the industry (materials based on hafnium oxide are favoured at the moment) are physically and chemically very different to silicon dioxide. Considering the importance of this technological leap surprisingly little is known about their interface characteristics with silicon or about the trapping sites in the oxide. In this research programme three NW Universities will collaborate with IMEC in Belgium, SEMATECH in the USA, NMRC in Ireland, Imperial College and Glasgow University to achieve an understanding of the underlying science of these gate dielectrics. This will be done by applying both novel research tools and industry standard methods to analyse the interface and bulk trapping centres and to observe their evolution under electrical stress. A key issue will be the role of hydrogen and deuterium in these materials and the physical and electronic structure of the traps." . . "2005-02-01" . "2008-01-31" . "No" . . "267689.6608"^^ . "EP/C003098/1" . "Announced" . . "Performance, degradation and defect structure of MOS devices using high-k materials as gate dielectrics" . . . . . . "The transistors in successive generations of integrated circuits have increased in speed, use less power and cost less because of diminishing transistor sizes. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reduce the operating voltage with the same scaling factors as the physical size so the electric fields in the transistor have increased dramatically. The silicon dioxide which is used as the gate of these transistors is now so thin that a significant current flows through this insulating layer at normal operating voltages because of tunnelling. This increases power consumption and reduces reliability. Future transistor generations will need a gate dielectric of higher permittivity (high-k) that will allow a larger physical thickness to be used without increasing the equivalent electrical thickness. This is the most important single issue facing the development of integrated circuits at the moment. The high-k materials proposed by the industry (materials based on hafnium oxide are favoured at the moment) are physically and chemically very different to silicon dioxide. Considering the importance of this technological leap surprisingly little is known about their interface characteristics with silicon or about the trapping sites in the oxide. In this research progr" . "The transistors in successive generations of integrated circuits have increased in speed, use less power and cost less because of diminishing transistor sizes. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reduce the operating voltage with the same scaling factors as the physical size so the electric fields in the transistor have increased dramatically. The silicon dioxide which is used as the gate of these transistors is now so thin that a significant current flows through this insulating layer at normal operating voltages because of tunnelling. This increases power consumption and reduces reliability. Future transistor generations will need a gate dielectric of higher permittivity (high-k) that will allow a larger physical thickness to be used without increasing the equivalent electrical thickness. This is the most important single issue facing the development of integrated circuits at the moment. The high-k materials proposed by the industry (materials based on hafnium oxide are favoured at the moment) are physically and chemically very different to silicon dioxide. Considering the importance of this technological leap surprisingly little is known about their interface characteristics with silicon or about the trapping sites in the oxide. In this research programme three NW Universities will collaborate with IMEC in Belgium, SEMATECH in the USA, NMRC in Ireland, Imperial College and Glasgow University to achieve an understanding of the underlying science of these gate dielectrics. This will be done by applying both novel research tools and industry standard methods to analyse the interface and bulk trapping centres and to observe their evolution under electrical stress. A key issue will be the role of hydrogen and deuterium in these materials and the physical and electronic structure of the traps." . . "2005-03-01" . "2008-02-29" . "No" . . "191495.8268"^^ . "EP/C003101/1" . "Announced" . . "Performance, degradation and defect structure of MOS devices using high-k materials as gate dielectrics" . . . . . . "Tooth decay or caries is still one of the most common diseases in developed countries affecting 60-90 % of schoolchildren and the vast majority of adults. The continuing use of mercury based 'silver' fillings to replace decayed tissue, although extremely cost effective, is controversial and there is a need for new, durable and aesthetically acceptable materials for dental restorations. \rDental ceramics have been found to be the most biocompatible materials to date for dental restorations and are the most natural-appearing synthetic replacement material for missing tooth substance. Furthermore patient acceptance is high and particularly in the anterior regions of the mouth, clinical longevity is good.\rThis proposal is aimed at producing mica based dental glass-ceramics, suitable for 'chairside' processing. We aim to apply kinetic neutron diffraction and small angle neutron scattering to look at the stages involved in the crystallisation of such materials in real time, which will enable us to undertake a comprehensive description of the factors which affect the final microstructure and properties of the restorative material. The use of these novel neutron based techniques will provide unique insights into the production of these materials and allow us to ta" . "Tooth decay or caries is still one of the most common diseases in developed countries affecting 60-90 % of schoolchildren and the vast majority of adults. The continuing use of mercury based 'silver' fillings to replace decayed tissue, although extremely cost effective, is controversial and there is a need for new, durable and aesthetically acceptable materials for dental restorations. \rDental ceramics have been found to be the most biocompatible materials to date for dental restorations and are the most natural-appearing synthetic replacement material for missing tooth substance. Furthermore patient acceptance is high and particularly in the anterior regions of the mouth, clinical longevity is good.\rThis proposal is aimed at producing mica based dental glass-ceramics, suitable for 'chairside' processing. We aim to apply kinetic neutron diffraction and small angle neutron scattering to look at the stages involved in the crystallisation of such materials in real time, which will enable us to undertake a comprehensive description of the factors which affect the final microstructure and properties of the restorative material. The use of these novel neutron based techniques will provide unique insights into the production of these materials and allow us to tailor compositions and heat treatments to meet clinical requirements." . . "2006-01-16" . "2009-01-15" . "No" . . "102642.695"^^ . "EP/C003446/1" . "Announced" . . "Novel aesthetic dental restorative materials" . . . . . . "Stem cells reside in small numbers in most body tissues and control the healing processes subsequent to disease or injury. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can produce various different tissue types including bone, cartilage and fat. However, the mechanisms by which different tissue types are produced from MSCs is very complex and therefore difficult to understand using intuition alone. Mathematical models provide a means to analyse complex systems such as the mesenchymal stem cell system. Therefore we propose an innovative approach to analyse how bone tissue is produced with the help of mathematical modelling in conjunction with experimentation. In particular we will use mathematical models to examine how gene expression correlates with stem cell activity and, significantly, how this correlation changes with age." . . "2005-04-04" . "2008-04-03" . "No" . . "260132.3612"^^ . "EP/C003497/1" . "Announced" . . "Mathematical modelling of growth characteristics in hierarchically structured tissue-engineered populations" . . . . . . "The proposal is to fabricate and test a novel form of spin-LED capable of efficient generation of circularly polarised light at room temperature.\r\rIntense worldwide interest is being focused on new semiconductor spintronic and spin-optronic quantum devices in which electronic spin replaces charge for data processing or is used to manipulate optical polarisation. Requirements for such devices are injection of a non-equilibrium population of electron spins into the semiconductor from a spin-polarising metal contact and preservation of the spin population for as long as possible following injection. The spin-LED is the best test-bed for these functions as well as having an immediate potential application as a single-polarised-photon source for quantum cryptography. It is a pn junction light emitting diode in which the cathode injects spin-polarised electrons giving circularly polarised light output due to the selection rules for electron-hole recombination; bulk semiconductor allows a theoretical maximum degree of polarisation of 50% whereas a quantum well allows 100%.\r\rThe novel feature of our proposed design is the use of quantum wells grown on a (110)-oriented substrate rather than (100)-orientation, as used in all spin-LEDs hitherto. At room temperature, although spin-polarised electrons can be efficiently injected into the semiconductor, output polarisation is limited to ~5% or less due to rapid spin-relaxation in the semiconductor before radiative recombination can occur. We have recently shown that the spin-memory of electrons in (110)-oriented GaAs quantum wells is enhanced by ~x100 compared to similar (100) wells at room temperature, confirming theoretical predictions. From this it can be expected that the output polarisation of a (110) spin-LED at room temperature should be high - approaching the limit set by the spin injection process.\r\rThe operation of the device requires injection of current with the electron spins polarised perpendicular to the quantum well planes. For this we propose several ferromagnetic metal contact designs, based on magnetic tunnel contacts (MTC) and magnetic tunnel transistors (MTT), deposited on top of the quantum wells. For initial tests the ferromagnetic moment of the contact will be aligned by applied magnetic field but we shall also test designs of the metal contact in the form of a ferromagnetic superlattice which will give perpendicular spin-polarisation without applied magnetic field.\r\rIt is essential for successful realisation of such a device to have collaborat" . "The proposal is to fabricate and test a novel form of spin-LED capable of efficient generation of circularly polarised light at room temperature.\r\rIntense worldwide interest is being focused on new semiconductor spintronic and spin-optronic quantum devices in which electronic spin replaces charge for data processing or is used to manipulate optical polarisation. Requirements for such devices are injection of a non-equilibrium population of electron spins into the semiconductor from a spin-polarising metal contact and preservation of the spin population for as long as possible following injection. The spin-LED is the best test-bed for these functions as well as having an immediate potential application as a single-polarised-photon source for quantum cryptography. It is a pn junction light emitting diode in which the cathode injects spin-polarised electrons giving circularly polarised light output due to the selection rules for electron-hole recombination; bulk semiconductor allows a theoretical maximum degree of polarisation of 50% whereas a quantum well allows 100%.\r\rThe novel feature of our proposed design is the use of quantum wells grown on a (110)-oriented substrate rather than (100)-orientation, as used in all spin-LEDs hitherto. At room temperature" . . "2004-12-14" . "2006-12-13" . "No" . . "20307.46"^^ . "EP/C003500/1" . "Announced" . . "Demonstration of a high-temperature spin-LED based on (110)-oriented quantum wells." . . . . . . "The proposal is to fabricate and test a novel form of spin-LED capable of efficient generation of circularly polarised light at room temperature.Intense worldwide interest is being focused on new semiconductor spintronic and spin-optronic quantum devices in which electronic spin replaces charge for data processing or is used to manipulate optical polarisation. Requirements for such devices are injection of a non-equilibrium population of electron spins into the semiconductor from a spin-polarising metal contact and preservation of the spin population for as long as possible following injection. The spin-LED is the best test-bed for these functions as well as having an immediate potential application as a single-polarised-photon source for quantum cryptography. It is a pn junction light emitting diode in which the cathode injects spin-polarised electrons giving circularly polarised light output due to the selection rules for electron-hole recombination; bulk semiconductor allows a theoretical maximum degree of polarisation of 50% whereas a quantum well allows 100%.The novel feature of our proposed design is the use of quantum wells grown on a (110)-oriented substrate rather than (100)-orientation, as used in all spin-LEDs hitherto. At room temperature, although spin-polarised electrons can be efficiently injected into the semiconductor, output polarisation is limited to ~5% or less due to rapid spin-relaxation in the semiconductor before radiative recombination can occur. We have recently shown that the spin-memory of electrons in (110)-oriented GaAs quantum wells is enhanced by ~x100 compared to similar (100) wells at room temperature, confirming theoretical predictions. From this it can be expected that the output polarisation of a (110) spin-LED at room temperature should be high - approaching the limit set by the spin injection process.The operation of the device requires injection of current with the electron spins polarised perpendicular to the quantum well planes. For this we propose several ferromagnetic metal contact designs, based on magnetic tunnel contacts (MTC) and magnetic tunnel transistors (MTT), deposited on top of the quantum wells. For initial tests the ferromagnetic moment of the contact will be aligned by applied magnetic field but we shall also test designs of the metal contact in the form of a ferromagnetic superlattice which will give perpendicular spin-polarisation without applied magnetic field.It is essential for successful realisation of such a device to have collaborators who" . "The proposal is to fabricate and test a novel form of spin-LED capable of efficient generation of circularly polarised light at room temperature.Intense worldwide interest is being focused on new semiconductor spintronic and spin-optronic quantum devices in which electronic spin replaces charge for data processing or is used to manipulate optical polarisation. Requirements for such devices are injection of a non-equilibrium population of electron spins into the semiconductor from a spin-polarising metal contact and preservation of the spin population for as long as possible following injection. The spin-LED is the best test-bed for these functions as well as having an immediate potential application as a single-polarised-photon source for quantum cryptography. It is a pn junction light emitting diode in which the cathode injects spin-polarised electrons giving circularly polarised light output due to the selection rules for electron-hole recombination; bulk semiconductor allows a theoretical maximum degree of polarisation of 50% whereas a quantum well allows 100%.The novel feature of our proposed design is the use of quantum wells grown on a (110)-oriented substrate rather than (100)-orientation, as used in all spin-LEDs hitherto. At room temperature, al" . . "2004-11-02" . "2006-11-01" . "No" . . "20652.864"^^ . "EP/C003659/1" . "Announced" . . "Demonstration of a high-temperature spin-LED based on (110)-oriented quantum wells." . . . . . . "Lack of mastery in combining the design of an engineering material at the atomistic or micron level of size and elements of the real engineering structure has led to a gap in our understanding between material and component failure. This weakness can be traced to the changing nature of fracture as size increases from the nano to the micron sized structural features of the material, (as seen using an electron microscope), to the fully assembled engineering edifice.\r\rOne way to explain the unexpected fracture of an engineering component is to use a box of tools of micro-mechanical models, (sometimes called micro-mechanics), to create a picture, a representation or model of the actual failure events seen in the electron microscope. Whilst this model is an idealization or massive simplification, it's one that captures the essential characteristics and features of what truly happens. In this case, a physical model of the actual failure mechanism(s) that take place in the material over time. The model can be displayed as a map which elegantly, and with sufficient precision and usefulness, shows the connectivity between these fracture processes and material structure and the engineering component. \r \rPhysical modelling reduces the number of experiments you h" . "Lack of mastery in combining the design of an engineering material at the atomistic or micron level of size and elements of the real engineering structure has led to a gap in our understanding between material and component failure. This weakness can be traced to the changing nature of fracture as size increases from the nano to the micron sized structural features of the material, (as seen using an electron microscope), to the fully assembled engineering edifice.\r\rOne way to explain the unexpected fracture of an engineering component is to use a box of tools of micro-mechanical models, (sometimes called micro-mechanics), to create a picture, a representation or model of the actual failure events seen in the electron microscope. Whilst this model is an idealization or massive simplification, it's one that captures the essential characteristics and features of what truly happens. In this case, a physical model of the actual failure mechanism(s) that take place in the material over time. The model can be displayed as a map which elegantly, and with sufficient precision and usefulness, shows the connectivity between these fracture processes and material structure and the engineering component. \r \rPhysical modelling reduces the number of experiments you have to do, and guides you more efficiently to the optimum design and selection of the best material to do the job reliably." . . "2005-04-08" . "2006-04-07" . "No" . . "10191.22"^^ . "EP/C004078/1" . "Announced" . . "Solving problems by multi-scale modelling of material systems: structure evolution from the nanometre to the metre" . . . . . . "Most material surfaces are passive or non-responsive: their physical properties remain largely unchanged within short time frames. There is increased interest in the development of material surfaces that are active or responsive, which can change (or 'switch') properties upon a stimulus. They have implications in the dynamic regulation of material properties, such as surface chemistry, adhesion, friction, or biocompatibility (i.e. how implanted materials affect the human body). Stimuli that have been used to trigger surface modifications include light, pH, chemical concentration and magnetic or electric fields. Future applications of these 'switching' surfaces are anticipated in biological settings. Examples may include the controlled attachment of biomolecules or cells and in devices that release compounds upon an applied stimulus for drug delivery. However, existing surface switching systems are often harsh and modify the environment around the surface, whereas most biological interactions can only withstand narrow environmental changes. \r\rIn biological systems, special molecules called enzymes trigger the modification of surfaces. In this project we will investigate whether we can make synthetic surfaces that can be triggered by enzymes. In this way we hope to make surfaces with properties that can be switched under conditions that are truly compatible with biological systems." . "Most material surfaces are passive or non-responsive: their physical properties remain largely unchanged within short time frames. There is increased interest in the development of material surfaces that are active or responsive, which can change (or 'switch') properties upon a stimulus. They have implications in the dynamic regulation of material properties, such as surface chemistry, adhesion, friction, or biocompatibility (i.e. how implanted materials affect the human body). Stimuli that have been used to trigger surface modifications include light, pH, chemical concentration and magnetic or electric fields. Future applications of these 'switching' surfaces are anticipated in biological settings. Examples may include the controlled attachment of biomolecules or cells and in devices that release compounds upon an applied stimulus for drug delivery. However, existing surface switching systems are often harsh and modify the environment around the surface, whereas most biological interactions can only withstand narrow environmental changes. \r\rIn biological systems, special molecules called enzymes trigger the modification of surfaces. In this project we will investigate whether we can make synthetic surfaces that can be triggered by enzymes. In this way w" . . "2005-05-12" . "2008-05-11" . "No" . . "62309.2"^^ . "EP/C004558/1" . "Announced" . . "Making Surfaces that Respond to Enzymes" . . . . . . "Building upon the Kent-Warwick partnership's long-standing and productive experience in the study of the atomic and meso-scale structure of novel functional sol-gel materials, and the Eastman Dental Institute's world-leading research in the use of melt-quenched phosphate glasses, we seek to understand the structure of phosphate-based glasses of potential importance within dentistry and soft tissue regeneration. This proposal will allow the first coherent exploration, at the atomic/molecular scale, of the synthesis and processing of novel variants on these materials using sol-gel methods (tailored for composition, porosity, etc.) and their in vitro characterisation. It therefore represents an adventurous cross-disciplinary study, involving the deployment of advanced physical science methods within the context of the biomedical sciences. The detailed neutron, X-ray and NMR experimental study of these materials, along with the use of 'benchtop' spectroscopic methods, will provide full structural characterisation. Taken together, this interdisciplinary project will provide a cogent insight into the relationship between synthesis/processing, structure and properties, and will lead the way in providing the appropriate tools for the development and optimisation of analogous future materials of medical importance." . "Building upon the Kent-Warwick partnership's long-standing and productive experience in the study of the atomic and meso-scale structure of novel functional sol-gel materials, and the Eastman Dental Institute's world-leading research in the use of melt-quenched phosphate glasses, we seek to understand the structure of phosphate-based glasses of potential importance within dentistry and soft tissue regeneration. This proposal will allow the first coherent exploration, at the atomic/molecular scale, of the synthesis and processing of novel variants on these materials using sol-gel methods (tailored for composition, porosity, etc.) and their in vitro characterisation. It therefore represents an adventurous cross-disciplinary study, involving the deployment of advanced physical science methods within the context of the biomedical sciences. The detailed neutron, X-ray and NMR experimental study of these materials, along with the use of 'benchtop' spectroscopic methods, will provide full structural characterisation. Taken together, this interdisciplinary project will provide a cogent insight into the relationship between synthesis/processing, structure and properties, and will lead the way in providing the appropriate tools for the development and optimisat" . . "2005-10-01" . "2008-09-30" . "No" . . "152422.707"^^ . "EP/C004671/1" . "Announced" . . "Development, optimisation and structural characterisation of bioactive phosphate-based glassy materials synthesised by sol gel methods" . . . . . . "Building upon the Kent-Warwick partnership's long-standing and productive experience in the study of the atomic and meso-scale structure of novel functional sol-gel materials, and the Eastman Dental Institute's world-leading research in the use of melt-quenched phosphate glasses, we seek to understand the structure of phosphate-based glasses of potential importance within dentistry and soft tissue regeneration. This proposal will allow the first coherent exploration, at the atomic/molecular scale, of the synthesis and processing of novel variants on these materials using sol-gel methods (tailored for composition, porosity, etc.) and their in vitro characterisation. It therefore represents an adventurous cross-disciplinary study, involving the deployment of advanced physical science methods within the context of the biomedical sciences. The detailed neutron, X-ray and NMR experimental study of these materials, along with the use of 'benchtop' spectroscopic methods, will provide full structural characterisation. Taken together, this interdisciplinary project will provide a cogent insight into the relationship between synthesis/processing, structure and properties, and will lead the way in providing the appropriate tools for the development and optimisation of analogous future materials of medical importance." . "Building upon the Kent-Warwick partnership's long-standing and productive experience in the study of the atomic and meso-scale structure of novel functional sol-gel materials, and the Eastman Dental Institute's world-leading research in the use of melt-quenched phosphate glasses, we seek to understand the structure of phosphate-based glasses of potential importance within dentistry and soft tissue regeneration. This proposal will allow the first coherent exploration, at the atomic/molecular scale, of the synthesis and processing of novel variants on these materials using sol-gel methods (tailored for composition, porosity, etc.) and their in vitro characterisation. It therefore represents an adventurous cross-disciplinary study, involving the deployment of advanced physical science methods within the context of the biomedical sciences. The detailed neutron, X-ray and NMR experimental study of these materials, along with the use of 'benchtop' spectroscopic methods, will provide full structural characterisation. Taken together, this interdisciplinary project will provide a cogent insight into the relationship between synthesis/processing, structure and properties, and will lead the way in providing the appropriate tools for the development and optimisat" . . "2005-05-01" . "2008-07-31" . "No" . . "98600.825"^^ . "EP/C004698/1" . "Announced" . . "Development, optimisation and structural characterisation of bioactive phosphate-based glassy materials synthesised by sol gel methods" . . . . . . "This project will exploit a high throughput approach for the synthesis of innovative multifunctional materials based on gallium sulphide frameworks. The building units of these materials are supertetrahedral clusters, which can be described as tetrahedrally shaped fragments of the cubic ZnS-type lattice. Each supertetrahedral cluster can contain over 200 atoms, and the cluster dimensions can range from 0.5 to 3 nm, depending on the synthetic conditions. By replacing regular tetrahedra with supertetrahedral clusters in structures such as diamond, crystalline microporous solids with large pores, representing more than 80% of their crystal volume, can be generated. Compared to microporous oxides, which are usually insulators, open-framework sulphides can have a substantially higher electrical conductivity, which combined with uniform porosity on a nanometer scale, may find applications in the fields of nanotechnology, molecular sieve science and optoelectronics. The emerging importance of supertetrahedral microporous solids is evidenced by the increasing number of publications in high impact journals (e.g. Nature, JACS, Science) in recent years. However, the systems investigated to date are primarily those of indium and germanium, and little is known about the related gallium sulphides. This project will develop a new family of microporous gallium sulphides, which are particularly interesting because they are expected to exhibit band gaps close to 3 eV and to be optically transparent in the visible region. Transparent semiconductors, particularly those of p-type, are rare, but highly desirable for optoelectronic applications. As a large proportion of these open-framework materials exhibits noncentrosymmetric structures, they might also have applications as nonlinear optical materials. \r\rThese materials will be prepared by solvothermal synthesis, a process that involves the use of polar solvents in sealed containers at temperatures above their boiling point. Autoclaves containing multiple reaction wells will be fabricated in-house and will allow a large number of reactions to be carried out in parallel. The use of this equipment will increase the rate and efficiency at which experimental data will be generated. Multivariate methods will be used for the design of the combinatorial experiments and for the analysis of the experimental data. Measurement of the physical properties will be an integral part of the project, and will involve the determination of the semiconducting behaviour, and the optical and magnet" . "This project will exploit a high throughput approach for the synthesis of innovative multifunctional materials based on gallium sulphide frameworks. The building units of these materials are supertetrahedral clusters, which can be described as tetrahedrally shaped fragments of the cubic ZnS-type lattice. Each supertetrahedral cluster can contain over 200 atoms, and the cluster dimensions can range from 0.5 to 3 nm, depending on the synthetic conditions. By replacing regular tetrahedra with supertetrahedral clusters in structures such as diamond, crystalline microporous solids with large pores, representing more than 80% of their crystal volume, can be generated. Compared to microporous oxides, which are usually insulators, open-framework sulphides can have a substantially higher electrical conductivity, which combined with uniform porosity on a nanometer scale, may find applications in the fields of nanotechnology, molecular sieve science and optoelectronics. The emerging importance of supertetrahedral microporous solids is evidenced by the increasing number of publications in high impact journals (e.g. Nature, JACS, Science) in recent years. However, the systems investigated to date are primarily those of indium and germanium, and little is known about t" . . "2005-10-03" . "2008-10-02" . "No" . . "102463.4798"^^ . "EP/C004906/1" . "Announced" . . "Supertetrahedral building blocks as a route to novel microporous semiconductors" . . . . . . "Magic Angle Spinning- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (MAS-NMR) spectroscopy has been extensively used to characterise the structure of amorphous solid materials. The proposed project focuses on the structural characterisation of fluorine containing amorphous solid materials such as ionomer glasses including oxyfluoride glasses by MAS-NMR. The technological applications of these materials are numerous and vary from mould flux glasses for steel casting, to optical glasses for laser applications, to dental materials and also to a diverse range of glass-ceramics based on the fluorine analogues of naturally occurring minerals containing hydroxyl groups. The beneficiaries are both the broader academic and medical community. A group of seven academics from the UK propose to visit Japanese academics and researchers in two research academic centres; the Tokyo Institute of Technology and the Kyushu University and in the headquarters of two renowned international dental companies; GC Corporation in Tokyo and Shofu Inc. International in Kyoto. The main objectives are to develop new research collaborations and links with the Japanese hosts, to strengthen existing collaborations with the Japanese hosts, to exchange existing knowledge in the subject via seminars with the ai" . "Magic Angle Spinning- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (MAS-NMR) spectroscopy has been extensively used to characterise the structure of amorphous solid materials. The proposed project focuses on the structural characterisation of fluorine containing amorphous solid materials such as ionomer glasses including oxyfluoride glasses by MAS-NMR. The technological applications of these materials are numerous and vary from mould flux glasses for steel casting, to optical glasses for laser applications, to dental materials and also to a diverse range of glass-ceramics based on the fluorine analogues of naturally occurring minerals containing hydroxyl groups. The beneficiaries are both the broader academic and medical community. A group of seven academics from the UK propose to visit Japanese academics and researchers in two research academic centres; the Tokyo Institute of Technology and the Kyushu University and in the headquarters of two renowned international dental companies; GC Corporation in Tokyo and Shofu Inc. International in Kyoto. The main objectives are to develop new research collaborations and links with the Japanese hosts, to strengthen existing collaborations with the Japanese hosts, to exchange existing knowledge in the subject via seminars with the aim to facilitate research between the UK participants and the Japanese hosts, to plan future joint projects with the Japanese researchers and finally to open options and possibilities for UK students to be trained and research in Japan in the proposed research area. The UK delegates propose to deliver seminars that represent their research and generally the research in UK in this field and discuss all possibilities for potential collaboration with the Japanese colleagues. Some of the delegates have already established research links with some of the Japanese hosts and the INTERACT visit will significantly help and improve existing research collaborations. A mini colloquium is planned for the end of April 2005 where the experience gained from the visit as well as research developments will be shared with the broader UK scientific community." . . "2005-02-28" . "2005-08-27" . "No" . . "20224.35"^^ . "EP/C004914/1" . "Announced" . . "The use of MAS-NMR spectroscopy in the structural characterisation of fluorine containing amorphous solid materials" . . . . . . "This proposal is a feasibility study for the use of ink jet printing as a tool to fabricate structures that contain living cells. These structures can be precisely designed to provide a local microenvironment through which the cells function can be monitored, controlled and possibly induced. To achieve this we will develop novel materials and processes, combining ink jet printing with photo-polymerisation, that allow us to control the microstructure through printing and the nanostructure through appropriate materials design. Previous study has demostrated that we can deliver cells by ink-jet printing and so co-seeded structures will be produced during manufacture.\r\rPreliminary work will construct simple 2D patterns. They will have sufficient vertical thickness to confine and isolate cells to allow the demonstration of the technique and easy access for optical methods to study cells and cell populations. These constructs can be used to study intercellular communication by careful design of the local environment.\r\rIf successful, a subsequent flagship project would extend the method to 3D constructs enabling microbioreactors and seeded scaffolds for tissue engineering applications." . . "2005-05-01" . "2006-10-31" . "No" . . "96428.4776"^^ . "EP/C004922/1" . "Announced" . . "Ink Jet Printing and Co-Seeding of 2- and 3-Dimensional Cell Arrays" . . . . . . "As a naturally exploited material, cellulose has traditionally been used in clothing, paper manufacture and as a building material. However we will invetigate its use as a engineered substrate for tissue engineering. A conventional paper making process will be used to make controlled non-woven sheets of fibres with engineered porosity and fibre surfaces. Less conventional techniques such as electrospinning will also be used to deposit networks of fibres with controlled diameters. The surface of cellulose fibres themselves are not suitable for the attachment of cells and therefore we will investigate the use of enzymes and chemical modification to promote adhesion." . . "2004-10-11" . "2006-10-10" . "No" . . "97409.402"^^ . "EP/C004930/1" . "Announced" . . "Engineered and Chemically Modified Porous Cellulose Fibrous Networks For Controlled Cell Adhesion" . . . . . . "Optical components are basic to the technologies of lasers and photonics applications (e.g. wideband telecommunicationsl, lighting, video displays etc) and traditionally they have been made from optical glasses, inorganic crystals and most recently, polymers. Each of these materials has limitations such as high cost, fabrication difficulties, incompatibilty with advanced designs or lack of durability and this has encouraged the recent development of transparent ceramic as a new class of optical materials. Ceramics are well known for their low cost, durability, heat resistance, etc. but are not usually associated with the high precision of optics. \rIn this project, a precise fabrication method will be explored, in which liquid suspension of ultra-fine ceramic powder is electronically dispensed in the form of micro-drops from a piezo-electric nozzle. Ceramic optical components will be built up layer by layer, with the process involving vacuum drying of the material followed by sintering in a high temperature, vacuum furnace. \rIn addition to demonstrating the properties of transparency and clarity similar to glass, the project aims to demonstrate the production of flat optical interfaces between different compositions of ceramic, for use in optical wave" . "Optical components are basic to the technologies of lasers and photonics applications (e.g. wideband telecommunicationsl, lighting, video displays etc) and traditionally they have been made from optical glasses, inorganic crystals and most recently, polymers. Each of these materials has limitations such as high cost, fabrication difficulties, incompatibilty with advanced designs or lack of durability and this has encouraged the recent development of transparent ceramic as a new class of optical materials. Ceramics are well known for their low cost, durability, heat resistance, etc. but are not usually associated with the high precision of optics. \rIn this project, a precise fabrication method will be explored, in which liquid suspension of ultra-fine ceramic powder is electronically dispensed in the form of micro-drops from a piezo-electric nozzle. Ceramic optical components will be built up layer by layer, with the process involving vacuum drying of the material followed by sintering in a high temperature, vacuum furnace. \rIn addition to demonstrating the properties of transparency and clarity similar to glass, the project aims to demonstrate the production of flat optical interfaces between different compositions of ceramic, for use in optical waveguides or solid-state lasers. Simple structures will be three-layer planar composites, typically with the central layer designed to exhibit some different optical properties from the outer layers, to enhance fundtionality. Development of the process will aim to provide the capability to micro-structure the transparent ceramic in 3-D by using multiple dispensers to switch between two or more ceramic formulations during the deposition of each layer. These techniques would also be applied to the fabrication of more complex graded composite optical structures. \rThe outcome of this project will be to enable the use of ceramic materials for optical components and devices in high temperature or high power applications, particularly for lasers and waveguide technology where the capacity to fabricate multi-layer composite and graded structures would produce a radical shift in current device and component technologies that supply market sectors of high commercial significance. The longer term objective would be to enable UK industry to gain a significant share in this global market." . . "2004-12-01" . "2006-05-31" . "No" . . "97665.0184"^^ . "EP/C005252/1" . "Announced" . . "Fabrication of structured composite optical ceramics" . . . . . . "A state-of-the-art Philips X'pert PRO X-ray diffraction system was recently installed at Newcastle. The system is used extensively by researchers in the Schools of Chemical Engineering & Advanced Materials and Civil Engineering and Geosciences, many with interests in high temperature phase characterisation. The present proposal requests funding for a high-T (2000C) attachment for the current system to extend its versatility and to provide a springboard for new research opportunities. The senior research associate named to work on the contract has been involved with the instrument since installation and has developed a high level of expertise in operation. She will carry out the research programme of the PI and also be responsible for assisting other researchers in the use of the high-T attachment. \r The PI's activity focuses on oxynitrides ceramics, with the aim of producing strong materials capable of good high-T performance. Many problems encountered during high-T use of silicon nitride/sialon ceramics are now well understood (e.g. oxidation behaviour), but others are not. Ten years ago it was discovered that alpha sialon ceramics can under certain conditions and in certain systems transform into beta sialon; research programmes worldwide have focus" . "A state-of-the-art Philips X'pert PRO X-ray diffraction system was recently installed at Newcastle. The system is used extensively by researchers in the Schools of Chemical Engineering & Advanced Materials and Civil Engineering and Geosciences, many with interests in high temperature phase characterisation. The present proposal requests funding for a high-T (2000C) attachment for the current system to extend its versatility and to provide a springboard for new research opportunities. The senior research associate named to work on the contract has been involved with the instrument since installation and has developed a high level of expertise in operation. She will carry out the research programme of the PI and also be responsible for assisting other researchers in the use of the high-T attachment. \r The PI's activity focuses on oxynitrides ceramics, with the aim of producing strong materials capable of good high-T performance. Many problems encountered during high-T use of silicon nitride/sialon ceramics are now well understood (e.g. oxidation behaviour), but others are not. Ten years ago it was discovered that alpha sialon ceramics can under certain conditions and in certain systems transform into beta sialon; research programmes worldwide have focused on understanding this phenomenon, but none have specifically explored phase changes in-situ. The present programme will do this; not only will the results confirm (or otherwise) current theories about the transformation, but they may also shed light on the still incompletely understood question of alpha-beta transformation in silicon nitride itself. The Achilles heel of many commercial nitrogen ceramics is the grain-boundary phase (GBP) and the new system will be used to collect information on phase transformations and thermal expansion behaviour (for crystalline GBPs) and devitrification behaviour (for glassy GBPs)which is vital for understanding limitations in high-T performance.\r Defined as naturally-occurring chemical compounds, minerals play a key role in biological systems and as industrial raw materials. X-ray powder diffrcation is the most basic and essential tool used to identify minerals; it gives information concerning their structure and composition. This proposal is for a heating stage that will permit sophisticated experiments to be carried out to better characterise minerals from weathered rocks (in which atmospheric carbon dioxide has been fixed) and so understand how they formed from soils (in which minerals form intimate intergrowt" . . "2005-03-01" . "2007-07-31" . "No" . . "205537.16"^^ . "EP/C006305/1" . "Announced" . . "High Temperature X-ray diffraction studies of oxides, oxynitrides and minerals" . . . . . . "The aim of this proposal is to generate a consortium of individuals with wide ranging interdisciplinary and complementary expertise. It is envisaged that the full consortium will comprise 6 core members with expertise ranging from materials science, via various aspects of chemistry, through to molecular and cell biology. Based upon his existing/recent collaborations the PI has identified five potential core members all of whom have expressed, in principle, an interest in forming part of the consortium. Initially, a meeting of these five individuals will be convened and it is anticipated that a sixth core member (a stem cell biologist) and additional affiliate/advisory members will be identified and recruited. For the recruitment of affiliate/advisory members specific focus will centre on the US which is generally accepted to be internationally leading in high-throughput technologies.\r\rOnce membership has been finalised, the consortium will focus on developing a step change in post genomic technology centred on direct, high-throughput, delivery of proteins to living mammalian cells that circumvents the involvement of nucleic acids. This target area has been selected as current methods to deliver proteins into cells, either directly via protein tagging methods or indirectly by gene therapy are problematic when applied in a high-throughput format. High-throughput delivery of functional proteins to living mammalian cells is a highly desirable objective as it would enable large numbers of potentially active molecules to be screened rapidly and in vivo, for a desired biological mode of action.\r\rThis technology platform will potentially generate new therapeutic proteins, identify and potentially allow the correction of errant metabolic pathways and may even enable the promotion of stem cell differentiation. The ability to promote stem cell differentiation without recourse to nucleic acids (gene therapy) is especially desirable since it will completely preclude the potential dangers of long term, unwanted gene activation in all daughter cells.\r\rIn addition to refining the ideas underpinning the general research area outlined above and generating a full research proposal, it is anticipated that the core consortium members will, through the various planned group and sub-group meetings, identify additional areas for collaboration. Thus, in turn it is envisaged that a second tranche of proposals will result." . "The aim of this proposal is to generate a consortium of individuals with wide ranging interdisciplinary and complementary expertise. It is envisaged that the full consortium will comprise 6 core members with expertise ranging from materials science, via various aspects of chemistry, through to molecular and cell biology. Based upon his existing/recent collaborations the PI has identified five potential core members all of whom have expressed, in principle, an interest in forming part of the consortium. Initially, a meeting of these five individuals will be convened and it is anticipated that a sixth core member (a stem cell biologist) and additional affiliate/advisory members will be identified and recruited. For the recruitment of affiliate/advisory members specific focus will centre on the US which is generally accepted to be internationally leading in high-throughput technologies.\r\rOnce membership has been finalised, the consortium will focus on developing a step change in post genomic technology centred on direct, high-throughput, delivery of proteins to living mammalian cells that circumvents the involvement of nucleic acids. This target area has been selected as current methods to deliver proteins into cells, either directly via protein tagging" . . . "2005-01-09" . "2005-05-08" . "No" . . "10000"^^ . "EP/C006542/1" . "Announced" . . "Consortium for the development of high-throughput techniques for delivery, characterisation and evaluation of engineered proteins to mammalian cells" . . . . . . "When scientists model materials at the atomic scale it is very common for \rthem to make an approximation that enables them to make an enormous \rsimplification. The approximation stems from the observation that the mass \rof an electron is at least three orders of magnitude less than the mass of \ran atom. It would seem a very reasonable step to say that whatever the \rpositions of the atomic nuclei the very light electrons are able almost \rinstantaneously to find a configuration which minimizes the energy of the \rsystem. This approximation is known as the Born-Oppenheimer (B-O) \rapproximation, and it is invoked in the overwhelming majority of all \rsimulations of materials at the atomic scale.\r\rOne of the consequences of making the B-O approximation is that while there \rmay be energy exchanges between electrons and ion cores those exchanges \rmust be reversible. Irreversible flow of energy between electrons and ions \rcannot be treated if the B-O approximation is invoked. This is a severe \rlimitation because it rules out many processes and phenomena in materials \rthat are a consequence of such irreversible flows of energy. For example, \rit rules out the possibility of being able to model the heating of a \rmetallic wire caused by a current flowing through it. Al" . "When scientists model materials at the atomic scale it is very common for \rthem to make an approximation that enables them to make an enormous \rsimplification. The approximation stems from the observation that the mass \rof an electron is at least three orders of magnitude less than the mass of \ran atom. It would seem a very reasonable step to say that whatever the \rpositions of the atomic nuclei the very light electrons are able almost \rinstantaneously to find a configuration which minimizes the energy of the \rsystem. This approximation is known as the Born-Oppenheimer (B-O) \rapproximation, and it is invoked in the overwhelming majority of all \rsimulations of materials at the atomic scale.\r\rOne of the consequences of making the B-O approximation is that while there \rmay be energy exchanges between electrons and ion cores those exchanges \rmust be reversible. Irreversible flow of energy between electrons and ions \rcannot be treated if the B-O approximation is invoked. This is a severe \rlimitation because it rules out many processes and phenomena in materials \rthat are a consequence of such irreversible flows of energy. For example, \rit rules out the possibility of being able to model the heating of a \rmetallic wire caused by a current flowing through it. Although we know that \rin metals heat is conducted primarily by electrons we must avoid the B-O \rapproximation if we wish to model how the electrons receive the heat from \rhot vibrating ions in the first place. This is a long-standing major \rproblem for atomistic simulations of processes in metals at ambient \rtemperatures such as friction, plastic deformation and especially radiation \rdamage. There are also many examples in polymers where injected electrons \rdistort the polymer chain forming a polaron. To form a polaron an excited \relectron relaxes by an irreversible exchange of energy with the ions. For \ran electron to move its motion must be correlated with that of the ions.\r\rIt is very tempting to think that if we write down quantum equations of \rmotion for electrons and couple them to classical equations of motion for \rions we will be able to treat irreversible exchanges of energy between the \relectrons and ions. This approach is known as Ehrenfest dynamics. We have \rshown recently that whereas Ehrenfest dynamics can describe the heating of \rcold electrons by hot ions, it provides a wholly incorrect description of \rthe heating of cold ions by hot electrons. We have analysed carefully the \rreasons for this surprising failure and discovered that it is a" . . "2005-10-01" . "2009-10-31" . "Yes" . . "347714.538"^^ . "EP/C006739/1" . "Announced" . . "Modelling Non-Adiabatic Processes In Materials with Correlated Electron-Ion Dynamics: The Next Frontier in Quantum Modelling of Materials" . . . . . . "What has enabled the mobile phone to become smaller, require charging less often, and do picture messaging? All of these developments have been possible because of the development of new materials. The research funded by this grant aims to allow us to develop completely new classes of materials which cannot be produced in any other way. These materials bring us much closer to the ideal man made material in which every atom is placed according to man's design. Because of the extremely small length scales involved, i.e. one billionth of a millimetre, and quantum mechanics the materials produced in this way are not simply the sum of all their constituents but instead have completely new properties not available in natural materials; for this reason they are called metamaterials. \rThese new materials will be produced using a novel state of matter called supercritical fluids. These are produced by heating standard fluids and gases above a critical temperature at which point the difference between fluids and gases becomes impossible to define and instead we have a supercritical fluid. These fluids have remarkable capabilities to penetrate into holes that no other fluids can reach. We will use them to deposit materials inside templates cast, using a technique re" . "What has enabled the mobile phone to become smaller, require charging less often, and do picture messaging? All of these developments have been possible because of the development of new materials. The research funded by this grant aims to allow us to develop completely new classes of materials which cannot be produced in any other way. These materials bring us much closer to the ideal man made material in which every atom is placed according to man's design. Because of the extremely small length scales involved, i.e. one billionth of a millimetre, and quantum mechanics the materials produced in this way are not simply the sum of all their constituents but instead have completely new properties not available in natural materials; for this reason they are called metamaterials. \rThese new materials will be produced using a novel state of matter called supercritical fluids. These are produced by heating standard fluids and gases above a critical temperature at which point the difference between fluids and gases becomes impossible to define and instead we have a supercritical fluid. These fluids have remarkable capabilities to penetrate into holes that no other fluids can reach. We will use them to deposit materials inside templates cast, using a technique related to that used by ancient Egyptian's to produce statues of their gods, from naturally occurring materials which will act as moulds. \rThe materials we will produce using this new technique will find many applications. For example it should be possible to produce new forms of computer memory capable of storing 1000Gigabytes in chips the same size that currently store 1Gigabyte. Another application would be in the area of so called lab-on-a-chip which aims to produce silicon chips which would enable GPs to have all the capabilities of a hospital's medical laboratories in a machine on their desk. These devices could be used to diagnose a patient whilst they wait and enable the doctor to determine precisely which drugs would be most effective and have the least side effects." . . "2005-10-01" . "2010-03-31" . "Yes" . . "2544134.016"^^ . "EP/C006763/1" . "Announced" . . "Topological Engineering: A technology for the rational design and organisation of functional 3D templated nanomaterials " . . . . . . "Computer aided numerical modelling is a valuable tool in materials research. It is used to predict the behaviour of materials under conditions that might be difficult to replicate experimentally either because experimentation is too costly or too difficult. It is also used to aid understanding of how the large scale, macroscopic properties of materials such as strength, are related to the nanoscale [nanometer = 1 millionth of a millimetre] structure of the material at the molecular level. If the structure at the molecular level can be related to the behaviour of the material at the macroscopic level then it becomes possible to design materials to suit our needs, e.g. to make them lighter or easier to process.\rPolymers, because of their properties and ease of processing into complex shapes are among the most important materials available to us today e.g. the next revolution in low cost electronics will be made possible by the use of polymers in microchips. An exciting new family of materials are the polymer nanocomposites (NCs), in which particles with nanoscale dimensions are dispersed in the polymer. The benefits of NCs derive primarily from the exceptionally large amounts of particle surface area that can be achieved for a small addition of particles (e.g. 5% by weight). Thus they offer dramatic improvement in material performance with significant increases in mechanical and gas barrier properties. The user of such a material therefore gets a more effective product (or one containing less material for the same effectiveness). This project is aimed at developing computer modelling tools to help producers of materials, and product designers and manufacturers exploit these materials to the full, much more quickly than could be done by experimental methods. In this project we will be creating computer modelling approaches that will work with any polymer matrix NC. To ensure the work is of benefit to industry we shall concentrate on applying the methods to modelling how NCs behave in manufacturing processes (stretch blow moulding and thermoforming) involving large-strain biaxial stretching of relatively thin sheets. These processes are used to make products for packaging, the automotive and medical device industry. NCs designed and processed effectively offer the chance to drastically reduce the amount of polymer needed in such cases, and therefore to help solve the environmental problem of plastics waste. The materials to be modelled will be therefore the most promising for NCs in such applications: polypro" . "Computer aided numerical modelling is a valuable tool in materials research. It is used to predict the behaviour of materials under conditions that might be difficult to replicate experimentally either because experimentation is too costly or too difficult. It is also used to aid understanding of how the large scale, macroscopic properties of materials such as strength, are related to the nanoscale [nanometer = 1 millionth of a millimetre] structure of the material at the molecular level. If the structure at the molecular level can be related to the behaviour of the material at the macroscopic level then it becomes possible to design materials to suit our needs, e.g. to make them lighter or easier to process.\rPolymers, because of their properties and ease of processing into complex shapes are among the most important materials available to us today e.g. the next revolution in low cost electronics will be made possible by the use of polymers in microchips. An exciting new family of materials are the polymer nanocomposites (NCs), in which particles with nanoscale dimensions are dispersed in the polymer. The benefits of NCs derive primarily from the exceptionally large amounts of particle surface area that can be achieved for a small addition of particles (e" . . . "2005-11-01" . "2008-10-31" . "No" . . "216195.8346"^^ . "EP/C006909/1" . "Announced" . . "Performance enhancement of polymer nanocomposites via multi-scale modelling of processing and properties" . . . . . . "Computer aided numerical modelling is a valuable tool in materials research. It is used to predict the behaviour of materials under conditions that might be difficult to replicate experimentally either because experimentation is too costly or too difficult. It is also used to aid understanding of how the large scale, macroscopic properties of materials such as strength, are related to the nanoscale [nanometer = 1 millionth of a millimetre] structure of the material at the molecular level. If the structure at the molecular level can be related to the behaviour of the material at the macroscopic level then it becomes possible to design materials to suit our needs, e.g. to make them lighter or easier to process.\rPolymers, because of their properties and ease of processing into complex shapes are among the most important materials available to us today e.g. the next revolution in low cost electronics will be made possible by the use of polymers in microchips. An exciting new family of materials are the polymer nanocomposites (NCs), in which particles with nanoscale dimensions are dispersed in the polymer. The benefits of NCs derive primarily from the exceptionally large amounts of particle surface area that can be achieved for a small addition of particles (e.g. 5% by weight). Thus they offer dramatic improvement in material performance with significant increases in mechanical and gas barrier properties. The user of such a material therefore gets a more effective product (or one containing less material for the same effectiveness). This project is aimed at developing computer modelling tools to help producers of materials, and product designers and manufacturers exploit these materials to the full, much more quickly than could be done by experimental methods. In this project we will be creating computer modelling approaches that will work with any polymer matrix NC. To ensure the work is of benefit to industry we shall concentrate on applying the methods to modelling how NCs behave in manufacturing processes (stretch blow moulding and thermoforming) involving large-strain biaxial stretching of relatively thin sheets. These processes are used to make products for packaging, the automotive and medical device industry. NCs designed and processed effectively offer the chance to drastically reduce the amount of polymer needed in such cases, and therefore to help solve the environmental problem of plastics waste. The materials to be modelled will be therefore the most promising for NCs in such applications: polypro" . "Computer aided numerical modelling is a valuable tool in materials research. It is used to predict the behaviour of materials under conditions that might be difficult to replicate experimentally either because experimentation is too costly or too difficult. It is also used to aid understanding of how the large scale, macroscopic properties of materials such as strength, are related to the nanoscale [nanometer = 1 millionth of a millimetre] structure of the material at the molecular level. If the structure at the molecular level can be related to the behaviour of the material at the macroscopic level then it becomes possible to design materials to suit our needs, e.g. to make them lighter or easier to process.\rPolymers, because of their properties and ease of processing into complex shapes are among the most important materials available to us today e.g. the next revolution in low cost electronics will be made possible by the use of polymers in microchips. An exciting new family of materials are the polymer nanocomposites (NCs), in which particles with nanoscale dimensions are dispersed in the polymer. The benefits of NCs derive primarily from the exceptionally large amounts of particle surface area that can be achieved for a small addition of particles (e" . . . "2006-01-03" . "2009-01-02" . "No" . . "286566.265"^^ . "EP/C006984/1" . "Announced" . . "Performance enhancement of polymer nanocomposites via multi-scale modelling of processing and properties" . . . . . . "Computer aided numerical modelling is a valuable tool in materials research. It is used to predict the behaviour of materials under conditions that might be difficult to replicate experimentally either because experimentation is too costly or too difficult. It is also used to aid understanding of how the large scale, macroscopic properties of materials such as strength, are related to the nanoscale [nanometer = 1 millionth of a millimetre] structure of the material at the molecular level. If the structure at the molecular level can be related to the behaviour of the material at the macroscopic level then it becomes possible to design materials to suit our needs, e.g. to make them lighter or easier to process.\rPolymers, because of their properties and ease of processing into complex shapes are among the most important materials available to us today e.g. the next revolution in low cost electronics will be made possible by the use of polymers in microchips. An exciting new family of materials are the polymer nanocomposites (NCs), in which particles with nanoscale dimensions are dispersed in the polymer. The benefits of NCs derive primarily from the exceptionally large amounts of particle surface area that can be achieved for a small addition of particles (e.g. 5% by weight). Thus they offer dramatic improvement in material performance with significant increases in mechanical and gas barrier properties. The user of such a material therefore gets a more effective product (or one containing less material for the same effectiveness). This project is aimed at developing computer modelling tools to help producers of materials, and product designers and manufacturers exploit these materials to the full, much more quickly than could be done by experimental methods. In this project we will be creating computer modelling approaches that will work with any polymer matrix NC. To ensure the work is of benefit to industry we shall concentrate on applying the methods to modelling how NCs behave in manufacturing processes (stretch blow moulding and thermoforming) involving large-strain biaxial stretching of relatively thin sheets. These processes are used to make products for packaging, the automotive and medical device industry. NCs designed and processed effectively offer the chance to drastically reduce the amount of polymer needed in such cases, and therefore to help solve the environmental problem of plastics waste. The materials to be modelled will be therefore the most promising for NCs in such applications: polypro" . "Computer aided numerical modelling is a valuable tool in materials research. It is used to predict the behaviour of materials under conditions that might be difficult to replicate experimentally either because experimentation is too costly or too difficult. It is also used to aid understanding of how the large scale, macroscopic properties of materials such as strength, are related to the nanoscale [nanometer = 1 millionth of a millimetre] structure of the material at the molecular level. If the structure at the molecular level can be related to the behaviour of the material at the macroscopic level then it becomes possible to design materials to suit our needs, e.g. to make them lighter or easier to process.\rPolymers, because of their properties and ease of processing into complex shapes are among the most important materials available to us today e.g. the next revolution in low cost electronics will be made possible by the use of polymers in microchips. An exciting new family of materials are the polymer nanocomposites (NCs), in which particles with nanoscale dimensions are dispersed in the polymer. The benefits of NCs derive primarily from the exceptionally large amounts of particle surface area that can be achieved for a small addition of particles (e" . . . "2005-10-01" . "2009-06-30" . "No" . . "400758.2446"^^ . "EP/C006992/1" . "Announced" . . "Performance enhancement of polymer nanocomposites via multi-scale modelling of processing and properties" . . . . . . "Many groups around the world are using bottom-up, self-assembly techniques to create new nanomaterials that have interesting electronic, optical and magnetic properties. At the same time several companies have used top-down microelectronics technology to successfully demonstrate MOS transistor operation at channel lengths as small as 5nm. It is clear therefore that as silicon technology approaches nanometer dimensions, remarkable opportunities will exist to combine nanomaterials, quantum phenomena and microelectronics technology in creative ways to produce new types of silicon device for a wide range of electronic, photonic and magnetics applications. \r\rOur strategy on the platform grant will be to explore the applications of new nanomaterials and nano-pillar structures in high frequency silicon-based devices. Nano-pillars offer very interesting possibilities for devices, since laterally confined structures can be created using electron-beam lithography and combined with vertical tunnelling barriers created using epitaxy, chemical vapour deposition or wet chemistry. We aim to research a variety of pillar-based devices, with the ultimate aim of fabricating scalable tunnelling devices and ultimate MOS devices at a low temperature. Nanomaterials have considerable potential for devices, particularly when self-assembled nanostructures are combined with electron beam lithography to place nanomaterials in precise locations on a silicon wafer. We intend to investigate the device applications of a variety of nanomatertials, beginning with vacancy-fluorine clusters, chiral metamaterials and magnetic nanodots and proceding to new nanomaterials that emerge from collaborations with nanomaterials groups in the UK and elsewhere." . "Many groups around the world are using bottom-up, self-assembly techniques to create new nanomaterials that have interesting electronic, optical and magnetic properties. At the same time several companies have used top-down microelectronics technology to successfully demonstrate MOS transistor operation at channel lengths as small as 5nm. It is clear therefore that as silicon technology approaches nanometer dimensions, remarkable opportunities will exist to combine nanomaterials, quantum phenomena and microelectronics technology in creative ways to produce new types of silicon device for a wide range of electronic, photonic and magnetics applications. \r\rOur strategy on the platform grant will be to explore the applications of new nanomaterials and nano-pillar structures in high frequency silicon-based devices. Nano-pillars offer very interesting possibilities for devices, since laterally confined structures can be created using electron-beam lithography and combined with vertical tunnelling barriers created using epitaxy, chemical vapour deposition or wet chemistry. We aim to research a variety of pillar-based devices, with the ultimate aim of fabricating scalable tunnelling devices and ultimate MOS devices at a low temperature. Nanomaterials have conside" . . "2005-06-01" . "2010-05-31" . "Yes" . . "397966.235"^^ . "EP/C007077/1" . "Announced" . . "Platform grant on high frequency silicon-based nano devices" . . . . . . "The term 'Nanocrystalline' is used to describe materials with grain sizes ~ 100 nm or less. Nanocrystalline metals have great potential for industrial applications in specialised areas, such as miniature components, components where very high strength is required without the possibility of using precipitation hardening, and applications that require a high degree of homogeneity on a fine length scale (e.g. medical implants and devices, data storage, microelectronic components, micro/nano-electro-mechanical devices etc). Severe deformation processing involves deforming metals to ultra high strains in order to refine their grain structure to a very fine scale. It offers unique advantages, in that; it is cheap, can be used to produce bulk material, and can process pure alloys, that are chemically homogenous, and contamination free. This technology has already been successfully used to produce submicron-grained alloys. \r\rThis project is a pre-competitive study that aims to explore the basic science required to extend the severe deformation technique to produce true nanocrystalline structures (<100 nm) and understand and engineer their microstructures to improve their ductility and toughness. The principles that will be exploited include; controlling recov" . "The term 'Nanocrystalline' is used to describe materials with grain sizes ~ 100 nm or less. Nanocrystalline metals have great potential for industrial applications in specialised areas, such as miniature components, components where very high strength is required without the possibility of using precipitation hardening, and applications that require a high degree of homogeneity on a fine length scale (e.g. medical implants and devices, data storage, microelectronic components, micro/nano-electro-mechanical devices etc). Severe deformation processing involves deforming metals to ultra high strains in order to refine their grain structure to a very fine scale. It offers unique advantages, in that; it is cheap, can be used to produce bulk material, and can process pure alloys, that are chemically homogenous, and contamination free. This technology has already been successfully used to produce submicron-grained alloys. \r\rThis project is a pre-competitive study that aims to explore the basic science required to extend the severe deformation technique to produce true nanocrystalline structures (<100 nm) and understand and engineer their microstructures to improve their ductility and toughness. The principles that will be exploited include; controlling recovery, through lowering the homologous deformation temperature, maximising the level of refinement by minimising texture and increasing the efficiency of the process through changing the deformation mode, and encouraging twinning as an additional refinement mechanism. Research will also be conducted aimed at investigating improving the mechanical performance of nanocrystalline metals by designing composite structures comprised of nanocrystalline matrix grains toughened by dispersed, coarser, micron grained islands." . . "2005-04-01" . "2008-03-31" . "No" . . "196175.053"^^ . "EP/C00809X/1" . "Announced" . . "Towards Nanocrystalline Bulk Severely Deformed Alloys" . . . . . . "A semiconductor quantum dot is a nano-sized island of one semiconductor surrounded by a sea of another semiconductor with large bandgap. The quantum dot has discrete energy levels, just like an atom, and has potentially ideal materials properties for controlling and manipulating quantum states, a crucial goal in contemporary science. The proposer has already demonstrated that the charge on an individual quantum dot can be controlled simply by the voltage applied to a gate electrode in a specially constructed device. However, these devices have large total area and only dc voltages are applied. New functionality arises if fast (GHz) pulses are applied to small area devices. It now becomes possible to control the occupation of electrons and holes in the time domain. There are many applications once the materials science and fast electronics technology are under control. These include voltage-triggered single photon emission, manipulation of the dark and bright excitons and manipulation of spin" . . "2005-10-03" . "2009-01-02" . "No" . . "284317"^^ . "EP/C008871/1" . "Announced" . . "Coherent control of excitons and spins with advanced quantum material systems" . . . . . . "EPR stands for 'electron paramagnetic resonance' and it is a spectroscopic method employing magnetic fields and microwaves to study materials and molecules with unpaired electrons. It is based on the fact that electrons behave like small magnets and can be flipped in a magnetic field by microwaves. A large number of materials have unpaired electrons, including imperfect solids and free radicals. Imperfect solids can be very useful, for example it is the introduction of impurities in silicon that gives rise to useful electronic properties and silicon chips. Free radicals are formed when bonds in molecules are broken, for example by light radiation, and these radicals can react with and disrupt the processes of living cells. Unpaired electrons play crucial roles in many processes such as photosynthesis, oxidation, catalysis, and polymerization reactions. As a result EPR crosses several disciplines including: chemistry, physics, biology, materials science, medical science and many more. EPR is successful in obtaining structural information, details of electron density distributions, and via the interaction of electrons with nuclei is an element specific probe exquisitely discriminatory to details of the atomic scale environment of the electron. Many of the processes monitored by EPR are sensitive to the environment, for example to the temperature and pressure. Temperature is routinely varied in EPR experiments from -273 degrees Celsius to above 1000 degrees Celsius, but for many interesting studies very high pressures or rapid changes in pressures are required. No easy-to-use high pressure EPR probes with high sensitivity are available. \rThe purpose of this project is to design, build and exploit a new type of high pressure EPR (HP-EPR) instrument. Very high pressures (e.g. 100,000 times atmospheric pressures) can only safely be generated in small volumes because of the risks of catastrophic explosions! Hence the EPR probe needs to be optimised for the study of small samples, and made compatible with high pressure equipment such as a diamond anvil cell. Diamond is the hardest known material, so diamonds make excellent anvils in a high pressure system capable of generating pressures in excess of 100,000 times atmospheres. We propose to use a miniature microwave resonator (called a loop-gap-resonator), integrated with a hybrid high pressure cell which can be configured for use with: (i) diamond anvils (for the highest pressure studies); (ii) hard anvils which allow a sample to be squeezed along a unique axis (" . "EPR stands for 'electron paramagnetic resonance' and it is a spectroscopic method employing magnetic fields and microwaves to study materials and molecules with unpaired electrons. It is based on the fact that electrons behave like small magnets and can be flipped in a magnetic field by microwaves. A large number of materials have unpaired electrons, including imperfect solids and free radicals. Imperfect solids can be very useful, for example it is the introduction of impurities in silicon that gives rise to useful electronic properties and silicon chips. Free radicals are formed when bonds in molecules are broken, for example by light radiation, and these radicals can react with and disrupt the processes of living cells. Unpaired electrons play crucial roles in many processes such as photosynthesis, oxidation, catalysis, and polymerization reactions. As a result EPR crosses several disciplines including: chemistry, physics, biology, materials science, medical science and many more. EPR is successful in obtaining structural information, details of electron density distributions, and via the interaction of electrons with nuclei is an element specific probe exquisitely discriminatory to details of the atomic scale environment of the electron. Many of the p" . . "2005-09-26" . "2010-03-25" . "Yes" . . "425679.9166"^^ . "EP/C00891X/1" . "Announced" . . "NEW FRONTIERS IN HIGH PRESSURE ELECTRON PARAMAGNETIC RESONANCE" . . . . . . "An interface is the region that forms between two phases that do not mix when they are brought together. Interfaces have unique physical and chemical properties, that are of fundamental and practical importance throughout many areas of science. For example, solid/liquid and liquid/liquid interfaces can be used for catalysis, synthesis and sensing applications. More complex interfaces are found in living systems, such as membranes which form a major component of biological cells. \r\rSince the interfacial region is so thin (nanometer scale; 50,000 times thinner than a human hair), and its properties change abruptly as it is crossed, we have much less information on interfaces than on uniform bulk phases (solids, liquids and gases). To understand and probe interfaces, scientists require new techniques that can uncover the properties of interfaces. Our proposal is to build a new instrument that combines two approaches that have been applied separately in different areas of science - scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) which can measure rates of reactions occuring at surfaces in solution, and a chemical characterisation method called evanescent wave cavity ring down spectroscopy (EW-CRDS). Each method has distinct attributes and by bringing them together for the first time, we expect to find new information on a wide range of important interfacial processes. The approach is simple but powerful: SECM will be used to perturb an interface or drive an interfacial process on a local scale in a well-defined way, while EW-CRDS will determine with high sensitivity what happens chemically as a result of the perturbation. \r\rIn this exciting new development, we will spend part of the project constructing and testing the instrument and then apply the method to four different areas, to illustrate the breadth of new information that we expect to result. We will study: (i) model biological membranes, to discover how protons move along the membrane surface, which is a key process in the functioning of living cells; (ii) how charges move in ultrathin conducting polymer films, which have the potential to be used in a new generation of electronic devices and sensors; (iii) how metals form and grow in the region between an oil and a liquid, to better understand the formation of nanoparticles. We will also investigate whether it is possible to study metal electrode surfaces, which would open up major areas of electrochemistry for study, with the ultimate possibility of investigating catalyst and sensor surfaces in action." . "An interface is the region that forms between two phases that do not mix when they are brought together. Interfaces have unique physical and chemical properties, that are of fundamental and practical importance throughout many areas of science. For example, solid/liquid and liquid/liquid interfaces can be used for catalysis, synthesis and sensing applications. More complex interfaces are found in living systems, such as membranes which form a major component of biological cells. \r\rSince the interfacial region is so thin (nanometer scale; 50,000 times thinner than a human hair), and its properties change abruptly as it is crossed, we have much less information on interfaces than on uniform bulk phases (solids, liquids and gases). To understand and probe interfaces, scientists require new techniques that can uncover the properties of interfaces. Our proposal is to build a new instrument that combines two approaches that have been applied separately in different areas of science - scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) which can measure rates of reactions occuring at surfaces in solution, and a chemical characterisation method called evanescent wave cavity ring down spectroscopy (EW-CRDS). Each method has distinct attributes and by bringing them together" . . "2006-02-01" . "2006-06-30" . "No" . . "489901.462"^^ . "EP/C00907X/1" . "Announced" . . "Integration of evanescent wave cavity ringdown spectroscopy with electrochemical methods: A step change in the study of interfacial phenomena" . . . . . . "An interface is the region that forms between two phases that do not mix when they are brought together. Interfaces have unique physical and chemical properties, that are of fundamental and practical importance throughout many areas of science. For example, solid/liquid and liquid/liquid interfaces can be used for catalysis, synthesis and sensing applications. More complex interfaces are found in living systems, such as membranes which form a major component of biological cells. \r\rSince the interfacial region is so thin (nanometer scale; 50,000 times thinner than a human hair), and its properties change abruptly as it is crossed, we have much less information on interfaces than on uniform bulk phases (solids, liquids and gases). To understand and probe interfaces, scientists require new techniques that can uncover the properties of interfaces. Our proposal is to build a new instrument that combines two approaches that have been applied separately in different areas of science - scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) which can measure rates of reactions occuring at surfaces in solution, and a chemical characterisation method called evanescent wave cavity ring down spectroscopy (EW-CRDS). Each method has distinct attributes and by bringing them together" . "An interface is the region that forms between two phases that do not mix when they are brought together. Interfaces have unique physical and chemical properties, that are of fundamental and practical importance throughout many areas of science. For example, solid/liquid and liquid/liquid interfaces can be used for catalysis, synthesis and sensing applications. More complex interfaces are found in living systems, such as membranes which form a major component of biological cells. \r\rSince the interfacial region is so thin (nanometer scale; 50,000 times thinner than a human hair), and its properties change abruptly as it is crossed, we have much less information on interfaces than on uniform bulk phases (solids, liquids and gases). To understand and probe interfaces, scientists require new techniques that can uncover the properties of interfaces. Our proposal is to build a new instrument that combines two approaches that have been applied separately in different areas of science - scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) which can measure rates of reactions occuring at surfaces in solution, and a chemical characterisation method called evanescent wave cavity ring down spectroscopy (EW-CRDS). Each method has distinct attributes and by bringing them together for the first time, we expect to find new information on a wide range of important interfacial processes. The approach is simple but powerful: SECM will be used to perturb an interface or drive an interfacial process on a local scale in a well-defined way, while EW-CRDS will determine with high sensitivity what happens chemically as a result of the perturbation. \r\rIn this exciting new development, we will spend part of the project constructing and testing the instrument and then apply the method to four different areas, to illustrate the breadth of new information that we expect to result. We will study: (i) model biological membranes, to discover how protons move along the membrane surface, which is a key process in the functioning of living cells; (ii) how charges move in ultrathin conducting polymer films, which have the potential to be used in a new generation of electronic devices and sensors; (iii) how metals form and grow in the region between an oil and a liquid, to better understand the formation of nanoparticles. We will also investigate whether it is possible to study metal electrode surfaces, which would open up major areas of electrochemistry for study, with the ultimate possibility of investigating catalyst and sensor surfaces in action." . . "2006-08-01" . "2008-09-30" . "No" . . "453608.8902"^^ . "EP/C00907X/2" . "Announced" . . "Integration of evanescent wave cavity ringdown spectroscopy with electrochemical methods: A step change in the study of interfacial phenomena" . . . . . . "An interface is the region that forms between two phases that do not mix when they are brought together. Interfaces have unique physical and chemical properties, that are of fundamental and practical importance throughout many areas of science. For example, solid/liquid and liquid/liquid interfaces can be used for catalysis, synthesis and sensing applications. More complex interfaces are found in living systems, such as membranes which form a major component of biological cells. \r\rSince the interfacial region is so thin (nanometer scale; 50,000 times thinner than a human hair), and its properties change abruptly as it is crossed, we have much less information on interfaces than on uniform bulk phases (solids, liquids and gases). To understand and probe interfaces, scientists require new techniques that can uncover the properties of interfaces. Our proposal is to build a new instrument that combines two approaches that have been applied separately in different areas of science - scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) which can measure rates of reactions occuring at surfaces in solution, and a chemical characterisation method called evanescent wave cavity ring down spectroscopy (EW-CRDS). Each method has distinct attributes and by bringing them together" . "An interface is the region that forms between two phases that do not mix when they are brought together. Interfaces have unique physical and chemical properties, that are of fundamental and practical importance throughout many areas of science. For example, solid/liquid and liquid/liquid interfaces can be used for catalysis, synthesis and sensing applications. More complex interfaces are found in living systems, such as membranes which form a major component of biological cells. \r\rSince the interfacial region is so thin (nanometer scale; 50,000 times thinner than a human hair), and its properties change abruptly as it is crossed, we have much less information on interfaces than on uniform bulk phases (solids, liquids and gases). To understand and probe interfaces, scientists require new techniques that can uncover the properties of interfaces. Our proposal is to build a new instrument that combines two approaches that have been applied separately in different areas of science - scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) which can measure rates of reactions occuring at surfaces in solution, and a chemical characterisation method called evanescent wave cavity ring down spectroscopy (EW-CRDS). Each method has distinct attributes and by bringing them together for the first time, we expect to find new information on a wide range of important interfacial processes. The approach is simple but powerful: SECM will be used to perturb an interface or drive an interfacial process on a local scale in a well-defined way, while EW-CRDS will determine with high sensitivity what happens chemically as a result of the perturbation. \r\rIn this exciting new development, we will spend part of the project constructing and testing the instrument and then apply the method to four different areas, to illustrate the breadth of new information that we expect to result. We will study: (i) model biological membranes, to discover how protons move along the membrane surface, which is a key process in the functioning of living cells; (ii) how charges move in ultrathin conducting polymer films, which have the potential to be used in a new generation of electronic devices and sensors; (iii) how metals form and grow in the region between an oil and a liquid, to better understand the formation of nanoparticles. We will also investigate whether it is possible to study metal electrode surfaces, which would open up major areas of electrochemistry for study, with the ultimate possibility of investigating catalyst and sensor surfaces in action." . . "2008-10-01" . "2010-02-28" . "Yes" . . "133376.652"^^ . "EP/C00907X/3" . "Announced" . . "Integration of evanescent wave cavity ringdown spectroscopy with electrochemical methods: A step change in the study of interfacial phenomena" . . . . . . "The aim of this project is to make a form of microscope / a confocal system - which can operate at very low temperature (down to below 2 degrees Kelvin). This has been done before, but the special design of the new instrument will allow it to be used in high magnetic fields up to 10 Tesla, at any angle with respect to the field - which has never been done before. To meet the required performance the instrument has to be able to move the sample in the microscope very accurately at low temperature using special piezo actuators. One of the key tests of the instrument will relate to the positional stability which can be achieved while changing the attitude of the confocal head at low temperature.\rThe purpose of the new instrument is to enable the study of the quantum states of very small regions of semiconductor known as quantum dots which can, in some ways, be regarded as 'artificial atoms'. These have many special properties which can only be fully explored by exposing them to high magnetic fields at low temperatures, but without microscopy they cannot be isolated from one another. The unique point of this microscope and its associated spectroscopy will be that such 'atoms' can be followed as they are tilted in a magnetic field / which gives very detailed information about the quantum states in the quantum dots. In addition to studying these 'atoms' the project will also study 'artificial molecules' made in a similar way; these are expected to show very complex behaviour when they are tilted in a magnetic field. All these features promise to make the results obtainable with the new instrument extremely exciting, with the potential to test several ideas which may have a bearing on future quantum communication and computation." . "The aim of this project is to make a form of microscope / a confocal system - which can operate at very low temperature (down to below 2 degrees Kelvin). This has been done before, but the special design of the new instrument will allow it to be used in high magnetic fields up to 10 Tesla, at any angle with respect to the field - which has never been done before. To meet the required performance the instrument has to be able to move the sample in the microscope very accurately at low temperature using special piezo actuators. One of the key tests of the instrument will relate to the positional stability which can be achieved while changing the attitude of the confocal head at low temperature.\rThe purpose of the new instrument is to enable the study of the quantum states of very small regions of semiconductor known as quantum dots which can, in some ways, be regarded as 'artificial atoms'. These have many special properties which can only be fully explored by exposing them to high magnetic fields at low temperatures, but without microscopy they cannot be isolated from one another. The unique point of this microscope and its associated spectroscopy will be that such 'atoms' can be followed as they are tilted in a magnetic field / which gives very detailed i" . . "2005-10-01" . "2009-03-31" . "No" . . "558925.04"^^ . "EP/C009290/1" . "Announced" . . "A cryogenic scanning confocal microscope for optical spectroscopy of quantum dots in high magnetic fields of arbitrary orientation" . . . . . . "Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a method of producing metal and ceramic parts. Unlike normal methods of part manufacture, casting, machining and the like, SLM grows components using a so-called layered manufacturing. Layered manufacturing takes a computer-generated design and builds it in a series of layers from the parts bottom to the top. SLM does this by selectively melting layers of metal powder to the shape of the cross section of the part being manufactured using high-powered lasers. SLM is a special process as it can make parts which cannot be made in any other way. It can make tiny scaffolding structures like those you see on the outside of buildings but at an incredibly small scale. The smallest scaffold we have built so far has individual strands 200 millionth's of a meter in diameter, about 3 times larger than a human hair.\r\rThese tiny structures are very useful, they can be used to make hip joints for old people, fuel cells for environmentally friendly cars, lightweight components for aeroplanes and space ships and cooling systems for the next generation of games consoles.\r\rThere are some issues however, we want to make these small structures from metal powders, which are volatile exploding at the slightest sign of heat, remember we are" . "Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a method of producing metal and ceramic parts. Unlike normal methods of part manufacture, casting, machining and the like, SLM grows components using a so-called layered manufacturing. Layered manufacturing takes a computer-generated design and builds it in a series of layers from the parts bottom to the top. SLM does this by selectively melting layers of metal powder to the shape of the cross section of the part being manufactured using high-powered lasers. SLM is a special process as it can make parts which cannot be made in any other way. It can make tiny scaffolding structures like those you see on the outside of buildings but at an incredibly small scale. The smallest scaffold we have built so far has individual strands 200 millionth's of a meter in diameter, about 3 times larger than a human hair.\r\rThese tiny structures are very useful, they can be used to make hip joints for old people, fuel cells for environmentally friendly cars, lightweight components for aeroplanes and space ships and cooling systems for the next generation of games consoles.\r\rThere are some issues however, we want to make these small structures from metal powders, which are volatile exploding at the slightest sign of heat, remember we are melting them with lasers, which make the powders very hot. Secondly we want to build the structures on a large scale, that is, we want big parts made from small lattices and we also want to build them quickly.\r\rWe will do this by designing and making a new machine, which will be easy and safe to use but quick enough to make any part required in a matter of hours. The machine will be able to do this by using 4 lasers instead of 1 and handling the powder under a special atmosphere with an airlock to stop explosions. The machine will be able to produce any part which can fit into a cube of 0.5m by 0.5m by 0.5m.\r\rThe amount of data required to control the position of the laser to make such large parts from such intricate lattices is huge. We intend to approach this problem not by using computer aided design packages to draw each individual strand of the geometry but rather to use mathematical equations to tell us where to melt the powder. This will reduce the amount of data required and allow us to build large intricate parts.\r\rOnce the machine is complete and has been trialled on the type of structures we want to build we will undertake 4 individual research projects. \r\rThe first one will investigate the production of aircraft components. Here we wi" . . "2005-10-01" . "2010-03-31" . "Yes" . . "1083780.5782"^^ . "EP/C009398/1" . "Announced" . . "High Throughput Selective Laser Melting of Cellular Components" . . . . . . "The huge upsurge in interest in nanotechnology has started a wide-ranging hunt for new ways of cutting, shaping, manipulating and observing matter on a very small scale.\r\rThe research we propose is part of this hunt and will result in new tool for nanotechnology, the MeV Nanobeam, which will produce an extremely finely focused beam of protons or other ions accelerated through a few million volts in a nuclear accelerator. This can be used in two ways. First as a sharp pencil to draw patterns on suitably sensitive materials. These can be processed to create complex structures which have very small lateral dimensions (tens of nanometres) but with straight sides for depths of tens of micrometres. Secondly the beam can be used as a sensitive probe to allow us to do chemical analysis of objects on the nanometre scale.\r\rThese unique capabilities result from the physics of the interaction between high energy protons and the atoms of the samples, which is such that the particles penetrate for long distances (around 100 micrometres) without being deflected from a straight line path, yet at the same time they transfer enough energy to atoms in the locality of the ion tracks so that the solubility may change (to allow structures to be made) or radiation may be emitted which allows us to identify the chemical elements present.\r\rThe early stages of the the project will be taken up with the task of designing and building the Nanobeam. This will be underpinned by our lin depth experience in developing microfocused ion beam systems together with newly available software tools for modelling ion paths in complex magnetic fields. In the later stages of the project we will demonstrate the capabilities of the system in a wide range of applacations.\r\rThe potential applications of tiny nano structures made in glass, plastic and semiconductors using the new facilities are limitless, but we will explore the possibility of producing demonstration components for devices to be used in opto-electronics (communicating and computing with light), micro-fluidics (doing chemistry with minute quantities of reagents) and NEMS (nano-electro-mechanical systems which interface mechanical devices such as motors with electronic integrated circuit chips). A particularly exciting field will be the emerging technologies at the life-sciences interface such as drug delivery devices or specially textured surfaces used as 'tissue scaffolds' to encourage the healing of injuries.\r\rIn addition to nano-engineering this versatile system will also be use" . "The huge upsurge in interest in nanotechnology has started a wide-ranging hunt for new ways of cutting, shaping, manipulating and observing matter on a very small scale.\r\rThe research we propose is part of this hunt and will result in new tool for nanotechnology, the MeV Nanobeam, which will produce an extremely finely focused beam of protons or other ions accelerated through a few million volts in a nuclear accelerator. This can be used in two ways. First as a sharp pencil to draw patterns on suitably sensitive materials. These can be processed to create complex structures which have very small lateral dimensions (tens of nanometres) but with straight sides for depths of tens of micrometres. Secondly the beam can be used as a sensitive probe to allow us to do chemical analysis of objects on the nanometre scale.\r\rThese unique capabilities result from the physics of the interaction between high energy protons and the atoms of the samples, which is such that the particles penetrate for long distances (around 100 micrometres) without being deflected from a straight line path, yet at the same time they transfer enough energy to atoms in the locality of the ion tracks so that the solubility may change (to allow structures to be made) or radiation may be em" . . . "2006-03-01" . "2009-08-31" . "No" . . "256844.5012"^^ . "EP/C009592/1" . "Announced" . . "MeV ion nanobeams: nanotechnology for the 21st century" . . . . . . "Measurements on the materials or structures used in devices or other products provide information which can be used to understand the behaviour of the devices and improve their performance, or check that the products are of the right quality. Often it is necessary to do this at a very small scale using specialised equipment, for example scanning and tunnelling electron microscopes. Sometimes due to the size of the equipment, the necessary preparation of the sample, or the type of feature which needs to be measured, it is awkward or impossible to use such equipment for measurements. One possible alternative is to describe the object being measured by deducing its characteristics from the way that it interacts with microwave radiation. It is important to do this in a way which will be applicable to a range of scales and of types of feature being measured, and without confining the measurement situation solely to laboratory study of preprepared samples.\r\rMicrowave radiation is similar to radio waves but is a higher frequency electromagnetic radiation. The advantage of using high frequencies is that the radiation can be focussed and the resolution can be improved. For example, we are designing a microwave resonating cavity with a probe sensor, which can sense" . "Measurements on the materials or structures used in devices or other products provide information which can be used to understand the behaviour of the devices and improve their performance, or check that the products are of the right quality. Often it is necessary to do this at a very small scale using specialised equipment, for example scanning and tunnelling electron microscopes. Sometimes due to the size of the equipment, the necessary preparation of the sample, or the type of feature which needs to be measured, it is awkward or impossible to use such equipment for measurements. One possible alternative is to describe the object being measured by deducing its characteristics from the way that it interacts with microwave radiation. It is important to do this in a way which will be applicable to a range of scales and of types of feature being measured, and without confining the measurement situation solely to laboratory study of preprepared samples.\r\rMicrowave radiation is similar to radio waves but is a higher frequency electromagnetic radiation. The advantage of using high frequencies is that the radiation can be focussed and the resolution can be improved. For example, we are designing a microwave resonating cavity with a probe sensor, which can sense conductor lines of less than a micron width. This is a special arrangement, which uses a pinhead as an attachment to enhance the concentration of the field at the sample under test. The problem up till now is that the pin is very fragile and the instrument (source & detector) is very large and expensive. We aim to solve these problems by designing a dedicated box of electronics to work with a laptop in conjunction with our proposal to develop a new type of micromachined probe head which is more robust and reliable for measurements. Once designed and fabricated we will have to investigate the capability of the instrument for making measurements on soft/hard materials whilst in contact or contactless mode of operation. In order to investigate the use and functionality of our system we intend to incorporate it into our current research programmes which involve profiling engineering materials, characterising food, and for medical diagnostics. \r\rThe School of Materials Science at the University of Manchester will provide assistance in assessing the capability of the instrumentation as a diagnostic tool. The School is world leading in the study and detection of faults in many types of composites and ceramics. Currently available measurement techniques involv" . . "2005-03-23" . "2008-06-22" . "No" . . "390093.8806"^^ . "EP/C009681/1" . "Announced" . . "Microwave Profiler" . . . . . . "Measuring the small concentrations of impurities that are crucial to the performance of semiconductors is very difficult. The successful incorporation of dopant impurities to introduce holes and electrons (roughly 1 part in 100 million) into small volumes of material (of the order of 100nm cube in production silicon devices) is central to the whole science and technology of semiconductors. Even smaller quantities of some inadvertent impurities (eg iron at 1 part in a million million) can adversely affect performance. A few chemical analysis techniques (eg secondary ion mass spectrometry, SIMS) are capable of quantifying and depth profiling most of the common dopants at concentrations around 1 part in 100 million (usually in large area test structures) but cannot detect the inadvertent impurities or equally importantly cannot detect intrinsic defects (vacancies and self interstitials). These can be very significant in semiconductor technology. A further complication is that in a semiconductor it is not just the chemical species that is important but its precise site in the semiconductor lattice. For example, in silicon, oxygen at an interstitial site is generally beneficial while oxygen paired with a vacancy can be detrimental. \r\rThe aim of this research is to develop and build a prototype instrument which will determine the absolute concentration and properties of impurities and defects in a small volume of semiconductor material or a device structure by measuring the interaction of the impurity or defect with the semiconductor lattice. It does this by quantifying the binding energy of holes and electrons to the impurity or defect. The theoretical basis for this was expounded over fifty years ago and, in recent years, has developed rapidly resulting in a good (although still far from perfect) understanding of the physics behind this measurement. A number of simple commercial instruments have appeared on the market based on this principle (including one originating from the investigators of this contract) and have to a limited extent satisfied the immediate needs of the industry. However, all have failed to meet the requirements of researchers in the field because of the inability to discriminate between electronically similar defects and the inability to provide detailed electronic, physical or chemical information. \r\rThe new instrument builds on work done by the Manchester group in which shifts in the carrier binding energy have been measured under the influence of external perturbations (eg stress). In" . "Measuring the small concentrations of impurities that are crucial to the performance of semiconductors is very difficult. The successful incorporation of dopant impurities to introduce holes and electrons (roughly 1 part in 100 million) into small volumes of material (of the order of 100nm cube in production silicon devices) is central to the whole science and technology of semiconductors. Even smaller quantities of some inadvertent impurities (eg iron at 1 part in a million million) can adversely affect performance. A few chemical analysis techniques (eg secondary ion mass spectrometry, SIMS) are capable of quantifying and depth profiling most of the common dopants at concentrations around 1 part in 100 million (usually in large area test structures) but cannot detect the inadvertent impurities or equally importantly cannot detect intrinsic defects (vacancies and self interstitials). These can be very significant in semiconductor technology. A further complication is that in a semiconductor it is not just the chemical species that is important but its precise site in the semiconductor lattice. For example, in silicon, oxygen at an interstitial site is generally beneficial while oxygen paired with a vacancy can be detrimental. \r\rThe aim of this research i" . . "2005-04-04" . "2008-10-03" . "No" . . "689919.3358"^^ . "EP/C009738/1" . "Announced" . . "Instrument to probe the electronic and structural properties of impurities, defects and nanostructures in semiconductor materials and devices" . . . . . . "Electronic and optoelectronic devices based on conjugated polymer semiconductors have experienced dramatic performance improvements in recent years. At present polymer diodes and FETs are being developed for separate first-generation applications. Emissive displays based on polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) driven by an active matrix of thin-film silicon field-effect transistors (FETs) are set to take a significant share of the flat panel display market within the next 2-3 years. Polymer-based FETs are finding first applications in flexible electronic paper displays, combining a printed active matrix backplane with an electrophoretic display medium, as well as low-cost, wireless intelligent labels. One of the principal strengths of polymer materials is the ability to integrate both electronic and optical functions on a common substrate. Integration of such electrophotonic devices is notoriously difficult for many inorganic semiconductor technologies, however in the case of polymers the wide spectrum of physical propeties which can be implemented through synthetic variation of chemical structure, and the ease of processing to produce multilayer, multifunctional assemblies is likely to become a very important attribute of organic semiconductor technolog" . "Electronic and optoelectronic devices based on conjugated polymer semiconductors have experienced dramatic performance improvements in recent years. At present polymer diodes and FETs are being developed for separate first-generation applications. Emissive displays based on polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) driven by an active matrix of thin-film silicon field-effect transistors (FETs) are set to take a significant share of the flat panel display market within the next 2-3 years. Polymer-based FETs are finding first applications in flexible electronic paper displays, combining a printed active matrix backplane with an electrophoretic display medium, as well as low-cost, wireless intelligent labels. One of the principal strengths of polymer materials is the ability to integrate both electronic and optical functions on a common substrate. Integration of such electrophotonic devices is notoriously difficult for many inorganic semiconductor technologies, however in the case of polymers the wide spectrum of physical propeties which can be implemented through synthetic variation of chemical structure, and the ease of processing to produce multilayer, multifunctional assemblies is likely to become a very important attribute of organic semiconductor technology for next generation applications. \rThe project will focus on the development of such polymer electrophotonic devices for applications in medical X-ray imaging, which require the combination of photodiodes for X-ray detection, and transistors for read-out of the detected intensity pattern from a large pixellated imaging array with minimal crosstalk. It is only within the past five years that such large area, direct reading digital arrays have been available for use in general radiology, mammography, cardiology and neuroradiology. Although available, the technology using amorphous silicon inorganic semiconductors has been found to be too expensive for many hospitals and has not, therefore, found widespread use. The advantages of digital systems include the ability to use teleradiology facilities for improved consultation on difficult cases or the use of image processing techniques and computer aided diagnosis. Being able to provide these advantages to all areas of medical X-ray imaging requires the development of low cost digital imaging arrays. \r\rThis project will provide the proof of principle that polymer devices manufactured by low-cost solution processing and direct printing techniques combined with an appropriate scintillator could satisfy the needs" . . "2005-09-01" . "2008-01-31" . "No" . . "297474.0664"^^ . "EP/C010434/1" . "Announced" . . "Polymer electrophotonic devices for X-ray imaging" . . . . . . "Previous investigations at Exeter have predicted that both C60 and C60F36 can act as transfer dopants on hydrogenated diamond. Very recent experiments have confirmed both predictions and hole densities of around 10^(13) cm^(-2) activated with an energy about an order of magnitude smaller than that of the boron level. For the first time an all-solid-state transfer dopant has been fabricated which is non-toxic and thermally stable unlike aqueous solutions which have previously been found to act as transfer dopants. It is likely that diamond devices will be fabricated in the near future from the fullerene adsorbates and replacing those based on volatile aqueous layers. We propose to extend our knowledge about this system by investigating the disruption to the H surface caused by oxygen or isolated surface dangling bonds both of which may lead to hole traps which limit the maximum hole density and mobility. We also intend to investigate the surface diffusion of C60 on the diamond surface and determine whether patterned adsorbed layers are stable at room temperature. This could extend the type of devices that could be fabricated. We will also investigate the optical properties of the adsorbed fullerene and extend the principle of transfer doping to other a" . "Previous investigations at Exeter have predicted that both C60 and C60F36 can act as transfer dopants on hydrogenated diamond. Very recent experiments have confirmed both predictions and hole densities of around 10^(13) cm^(-2) activated with an energy about an order of magnitude smaller than that of the boron level. For the first time an all-solid-state transfer dopant has been fabricated which is non-toxic and thermally stable unlike aqueous solutions which have previously been found to act as transfer dopants. It is likely that diamond devices will be fabricated in the near future from the fullerene adsorbates and replacing those based on volatile aqueous layers. We propose to extend our knowledge about this system by investigating the disruption to the H surface caused by oxygen or isolated surface dangling bonds both of which may lead to hole traps which limit the maximum hole density and mobility. We also intend to investigate the surface diffusion of C60 on the diamond surface and determine whether patterned adsorbed layers are stable at room temperature. This could extend the type of devices that could be fabricated. We will also investigate the optical properties of the adsorbed fullerene and extend the principle of transfer doping to other adsorbates and wide band gap semiconductors such as AlN." . . "2005-10-03" . "2008-10-02" . "No" . . "210349.3"^^ . "EP/C010663/1" . "Announced" . . "Transfer dopants for wide band gap semiconductors" . . . . . . "The 'Sustainable Use of Materials' network, WINGNet, has been formulated in consultation with the UK aerospace industry to identify critical materials science research required to improve the UK's performance in sustainable use of aircraft materials, and to develop an international lead in this area.\r\rDevelopment of the technologies and infrastructure required to meet the challenges in the sustainable use of aircraft materials is a matter of increasing concern within the industry. To address the growing concern, WINGNet will form clusters of expertise based on industrial views. These clusters will explore the related technical issues relating to the efficient use of raw materials, new materials and components, novel aspects of energy reduction in production, processing, disassembly of materials, new methods of joining materials to facilitate ease of dismantling, remanufacture of components, recycling of materials and reuse of materials and components. The cluster groups will identify areas requiring further research.\r\rWINGNet will undertake the following activities: \r\r- Organise discussion meetings and disseminate their outcome. These meetings will be rotated around member sites to broaden awareness of academic and industry capabilities, and allow a wide" . "The 'Sustainable Use of Materials' network, WINGNet, has been formulated in consultation with the UK aerospace industry to identify critical materials science research required to improve the UK's performance in sustainable use of aircraft materials, and to develop an international lead in this area.\r\rDevelopment of the technologies and infrastructure required to meet the challenges in the sustainable use of aircraft materials is a matter of increasing concern within the industry. To address the growing concern, WINGNet will form clusters of expertise based on industrial views. These clusters will explore the related technical issues relating to the efficient use of raw materials, new materials and components, novel aspects of energy reduction in production, processing, disassembly of materials, new methods of joining materials to facilitate ease of dismantling, remanufacture of components, recycling of materials and reuse of materials and components. The cluster groups will identify areas requiring further research.\r\rWINGNet will undertake the following activities: \r\r- Organise discussion meetings and disseminate their outcome. These meetings will be rotated around member sites to broaden awareness of academic and industry capabilities, and allow a wider participation from individuals at each partner's site.\r- Create an electronic newsletter, which will be distributed to industry and research establishments to highlight the activities of the network and its members. \r- Create a website giving details of WINGNet's aims, activities and contact details. \r- Raise awareness of strategic areas of research that currently suffer from poor visibility.\r- Lead industrial seminars to promote WINGNet and to engage with industry.\r- Encourage innovation through open days specifically designed for students of all types, including those at schools.\r- Hold cross-sectorial meetings, for example with DRIVENet, the FAC, etc.\r- Progressively increase network participation." . . "2005-03-01" . "2007-08-31" . "No" . . "62527.35"^^ . "EP/C010884/1" . "Announced" . . "WINGNet: Network for waste reduction in aircraft related groups" . . . . . . "The project will involve exploration of a completely new approach to solving the crucial problem of interfacial loosening, which commonly occurs with prosthetic implants. The idea is based on the introduction of a relatively thick, highly porous metallic layer, strongly attached to the surface of the prosthesis. This layer will be composed of an array of ferromagnetic fibres bonded together, into which bone growth can readily occur. The innovative concept is that, during the critical period immediately after implantation, mechanical strain will be generated in the embryonic bone growing into the layer, by applying a magnetic field. This field will elastically deform the fibre array and hence mechanically strain the in-growing bone tissue network. Preliminary modelling work has indicated that strains induced in this way should be sufficient to stimulate enhanced bone growth, provided the architecture of the fibre array conforms to certain requirements. Processing, magneto-mechanical characteristics and bio-compatibility aspects will be studied. A customised set-up will be constructed, allowing in vitro study of bone cell growth into such a porous material, with and without applied magnetic fields. Surface treatments will be used to deposit thin bio" . "The project will involve exploration of a completely new approach to solving the crucial problem of interfacial loosening, which commonly occurs with prosthetic implants. The idea is based on the introduction of a relatively thick, highly porous metallic layer, strongly attached to the surface of the prosthesis. This layer will be composed of an array of ferromagnetic fibres bonded together, into which bone growth can readily occur. The innovative concept is that, during the critical period immediately after implantation, mechanical strain will be generated in the embryonic bone growing into the layer, by applying a magnetic field. This field will elastically deform the fibre array and hence mechanically strain the in-growing bone tissue network. Preliminary modelling work has indicated that strains induced in this way should be sufficient to stimulate enhanced bone growth, provided the architecture of the fibre array conforms to certain requirements. Processing, magneto-mechanical characteristics and bio-compatibility aspects will be studied. A customised set-up will be constructed, allowing in vitro study of bone cell growth into such a porous material, with and without applied magnetic fields. Surface treatments will be used to deposit thin bioactive coatings. The work will involve a combination of in vitro cell culture work, local and macroscopic mechanical and magnetic testing, microstructural studies and both numerical and analytical modelling. The work will establish whether the approach shows real promise and, if so, may lead to the development of a new therapy for optimisation of implant reliability." . . "2005-08-01" . "2010-07-31" . "Yes" . . "240656.29"^^ . "EP/C011112/1" . "Announced" . . "Magneto-Mechanical Bone Growth Stimulation by Actuation of Highly Porous Ferromagnetic Fibre Arrays" . . . . . . "'Tune in to light and get a reaction'\r\rThis proposal is about research in the area of photocatalysis / chemical reactions triggered by light in the presence of a metal catalyst. \rA catalyst makes a chemical reaction proceed more easily because the molecules that take part in the reaction will stick to the surface atoms of the catalyst. Through this bond they share electrons with the catalyst, which can weaken the internal molecular bonds, thus making it easier for the molecules to react.\rWhile most catalysts need heat to get a reaction going, photocatalysts use energy in form of light.\rWhen light falls onto a flat catalyst surface, it cannot interact very well with the catalyst's electrons. To improve this interaction, we can structure the surface of the metal with a regular array of bumps or holes on a scale less than the wavelength of light - the scale we're talking about is around ten to hundred nanometres (a nanometre is a billionth of a metre).\rIf light falls onto such a structured surface, it interacts with the metal electrons in such a way that they are bunched up into density waves along the metal surface. \rThese periodic concentrations of electrons lead to much stronger electric fields near the metal surface than one would get on a flat surface -" . "'Tune in to light and get a reaction'\r\rThis proposal is about research in the area of photocatalysis / chemical reactions triggered by light in the presence of a metal catalyst. \rA catalyst makes a chemical reaction proceed more easily because the molecules that take part in the reaction will stick to the surface atoms of the catalyst. Through this bond they share electrons with the catalyst, which can weaken the internal molecular bonds, thus making it easier for the molecules to react.\rWhile most catalysts need heat to get a reaction going, photocatalysts use energy in form of light.\rWhen light falls onto a flat catalyst surface, it cannot interact very well with the catalyst's electrons. To improve this interaction, we can structure the surface of the metal with a regular array of bumps or holes on a scale less than the wavelength of light - the scale we're talking about is around ten to hundred nanometres (a nanometre is a billionth of a metre).\rIf light falls onto such a structured surface, it interacts with the metal electrons in such a way that they are bunched up into density waves along the metal surface. \rThese periodic concentrations of electrons lead to much stronger electric fields near the metal surface than one would get on a flat surface - a hundredfold increase in field strength is possible, especially if the surface structure consists of crevices and steep walls. \rThis surface structuring is similar to tuning a radio to a specific station!\rThe increased electric fields near such a surface 'tuned' to a particular frequency (colour) of light should increase the rate of chemical reactions triggered by this light.\rThat this works in principle, has been shown on poorly tuned, rough metal surfaces. \rIn our proposed research we now want to do two things. We want to understand exactly why this works and since electrons move about very quickly and since the basic bond making and breaking step in a chemical reaction happens in a very short time, we need extremely short laser pulses to illuminate what is going on. These pulses are only 100 femtoseconds long, where one femtosecond is a millionth of a billionth of a second.\rWe also want to show that proper tuning by creating metal structures on a nanoscale will lead to much more effective photocatalysts, to one day make it easier to clean our air and water just using sunlight." . . "2006-03-01" . "2007-06-30" . "No" . . "259290.96"^^ . "EP/C01197X/1" . "Announced" . . "Tailored Surface Plasmon Enhanced Photocatalysis" . . . . . . "'Tune in to light and get a reaction'\r\rThis proposal is about research in the area of photocatalysis / chemical reactions triggered by light in the presence of a metal catalyst. \rA catalyst makes a chemical reaction proceed more easily because the molecules that take part in the reaction will stick to the surface atoms of the catalyst. Through this bond they share electrons with the catalyst, which can weaken the internal molecular bonds, thus making it easier for the molecules to react.\rWhile most catalysts need heat to get a reaction going, photocatalysts use energy in form of light.\rWhen light falls onto a flat catalyst surface, it cannot interact very well with the catalyst's electrons. To improve this interaction, we can structure the surface of the metal with a regular array of bumps or holes on a scale less than the wavelength of light - the scale we're talking about is around ten to hundred nanometres (a nanometre is a billionth of a metre).\rIf light falls onto such a structured surface, it interacts with the metal electrons in such a way that they are bunched up into density waves along the metal surface. \rThese periodic concentrations of electrons lead to much stronger electric fields near the metal surface than one would get on a flat surface - a hundredfold increase in field strength is possible, especially if the surface structure consists of crevices and steep walls. \rThis surface structuring is similar to tuning a radio to a specific station!\rThe increased electric fields near such a surface 'tuned' to a particular frequency (colour) of light should increase the rate of chemical reactions triggered by this light.\rThat this works in principle, has been shown on poorly tuned, rough metal surfaces. \rIn our proposed research we now want to do two things. We want to understand exactly why this works and since electrons move about very quickly and since the basic bond making and breaking step in a chemical reaction happens in a very short time, we need extremely short laser pulses to illuminate what is going on. These pulses are only 100 femtoseconds long, where one femtosecond is a millionth of a billionth of a second.\rWe also want to show that proper tuning by creating metal structures on a nanoscale will lead to much more effective photocatalysts, to one day make it easier to clean our air and water just using sunlight." . "'Tune in to light and get a reaction'\r\rThis proposal is about research in the area of photocatalysis / chemical reactions triggered by light in the presence of a metal catalyst. \rA catalyst makes a chemical reaction proceed more easily because the molecules that take part in the reaction will stick to the surface atoms of the catalyst. Through this bond they share electrons with the catalyst, which can weaken the internal molecular bonds, thus making it easier for the molecules to react.\rWhile most catalysts need heat to get a reaction going, photocatalysts use energy in form of light.\rWhen light falls onto a flat catalyst surface, it cannot interact very well with the catalyst's electrons. To improve this interaction, we can structure the surface of the metal with a regular array of bumps or holes on a scale less than the wavelength of light - the scale we're talking about is around ten to hundred nanometres (a nanometre is a billionth of a metre).\rIf light falls onto such a structured surface, it interacts with the metal electrons in such a way that they are bunched up into density waves along the metal surface. \rThese periodic concentrations of electrons lead to much stronger electric fields near the metal surface than one would get on a flat surface -" . . "2007-10-01" . "2009-12-31" . "Yes" . . "168207.249"^^ . "EP/C01197X/2" . "Announced" . . "Tailored Surface Plasmon Enhanced Photocatalysis" . . . . . . "'Tune in to light and get a reaction'\r\rThis proposal is about research in the area of photocatalysis / chemical reactions triggered by light in the presence of a metal catalyst. \rA catalyst makes a chemical reaction proceed more easily because the molecules that take part in the reaction will stick to the surface atoms of the catalyst. Through this bond they share electrons with the catalyst, which can weaken the internal molecular bonds, thus making it easier for the molecules to react.\rWhile most catalysts need heat to get a reaction going, photocatalysts use energy in form of light.\rWhen light falls onto a flat catalyst surface, it cannot interact very well with the catalyst's electrons. To improve this interaction, we can structure the surface of the metal with a regular array of bumps or holes on a scale less than the wavelength of light - the scale we're talking about is around ten to hundred nanometres (a nanometre is a billionth of a metre).\rIf light falls onto such a structured surface, it interacts with the metal electrons in such a way that they are bunched up into density waves along the metal surface. \rThese periodic concentrations of electrons lead to much stronger electric fields near the metal surface than one would get on a flat surface -" . "'Tune in to light and get a reaction'\r\rThis proposal is about research in the area of photocatalysis / chemical reactions triggered by light in the presence of a metal catalyst. \rA catalyst makes a chemical reaction proceed more easily because the molecules that take part in the reaction will stick to the surface atoms of the catalyst. Through this bond they share electrons with the catalyst, which can weaken the internal molecular bonds, thus making it easier for the molecules to react.\rWhile most catalysts need heat to get a reaction going, photocatalysts use energy in form of light.\rWhen light falls onto a flat catalyst surface, it cannot interact very well with the catalyst's electrons. To improve this interaction, we can structure the surface of the metal with a regular array of bumps or holes on a scale less than the wavelength of light - the scale we're talking about is around ten to hundred nanometres (a nanometre is a billionth of a metre).\rIf light falls onto such a structured surface, it interacts with the metal electrons in such a way that they are bunched up into density waves along the metal surface. \rThese periodic concentrations of electrons lead to much stronger electric fields near the metal surface than one would get on a flat surface - a hundredfold increase in field strength is possible, especially if the surface structure consists of crevices and steep walls. \rThis surface structuring is similar to tuning a radio to a specific station!\rThe increased electric fields near such a surface 'tuned' to a particular frequency (colour) of light should increase the rate of chemical reactions triggered by this light.\rThat this works in principle, has been shown on poorly tuned, rough metal surfaces. \rIn our proposed research we now want to do two things. We want to understand exactly why this works and since electrons move about very quickly and since the basic bond making and breaking step in a chemical reaction happens in a very short time, we need extremely short laser pulses to illuminate what is going on. These pulses are only 100 femtoseconds long, where one femtosecond is a millionth of a billionth of a second.\rWe also want to show that proper tuning by creating metal structures on a nanoscale will lead to much more effective photocatalysts, to one day make it easier to clean our air and water just using sunlight." . . "2005-10-01" . "2007-06-30" . "No" . . "259368.71"^^ . "EP/C011988/1" . "Announced" . . "Tailored Surface Plasmon Enhanced Photocatalysis" . . . . . . "'Tune in to light and get a reaction'\r\rThis proposal is about research in the area of photocatalysis / chemical reactions triggered by light in the presence of a metal catalyst. \rA catalyst makes a chemical reaction proceed more easily because the molecules that take part in the reaction will stick to the surface atoms of the catalyst. Through this bond they share electrons with the catalyst, which can weaken the internal molecular bonds, thus making it easier for the molecules to react.\rWhile most catalysts need heat to get a reaction going, photocatalysts use energy in form of light.\rWhen light falls onto a flat catalyst surface, it cannot interact very well with the catalyst's electrons. To improve this interaction, we can structure the surface of the metal with a regular array of bumps or holes on a scale less than the wavelength of light - the scale we're talking about is around ten to hundred nanometres (a nanometre is a billionth of a metre).\rIf light falls onto such a structured surface, it interacts with the metal electrons in such a way that they are bunched up into density waves along the metal surface. \rThese periodic concentrations of electrons lead to much stronger electric fields near the metal surface than one would get on a flat surface -" . "'Tune in to light and get a reaction'\r\rThis proposal is about research in the area of photocatalysis / chemical reactions triggered by light in the presence of a metal catalyst. \rA catalyst makes a chemical reaction proceed more easily because the molecules that take part in the reaction will stick to the surface atoms of the catalyst. Through this bond they share electrons with the catalyst, which can weaken the internal molecular bonds, thus making it easier for the molecules to react.\rWhile most catalysts need heat to get a reaction going, photocatalysts use energy in form of light.\rWhen light falls onto a flat catalyst surface, it cannot interact very well with the catalyst's electrons. To improve this interaction, we can structure the surface of the metal with a regular array of bumps or holes on a scale less than the wavelength of light - the scale we're talking about is around ten to hundred nanometres (a nanometre is a billionth of a metre).\rIf light falls onto such a structured surface, it interacts with the metal electrons in such a way that they are bunched up into density waves along the metal surface. \rThese periodic concentrations of electrons lead to much stronger electric fields near the metal surface than one would get on a flat surface - a hundredfold increase in field strength is possible, especially if the surface structure consists of crevices and steep walls. \rThis surface structuring is similar to tuning a radio to a specific station!\rThe increased electric fields near such a surface 'tuned' to a particular frequency (colour) of light should increase the rate of chemical reactions triggered by this light.\rThat this works in principle, has been shown on poorly tuned, rough metal surfaces. \rIn our proposed research we now want to do two things. We want to understand exactly why this works and since electrons move about very quickly and since the basic bond making and breaking step in a chemical reaction happens in a very short time, we need extremely short laser pulses to illuminate what is going on. These pulses are only 100 femtoseconds long, where one femtosecond is a millionth of a billionth of a second.\rWe also want to show that proper tuning by creating metal structures on a nanoscale will lead to much more effective photocatalysts, to one day make it easier to clean our air and water just using sunlight." . . "2007-07-01" . "2010-09-30" . "Yes" . . "178593.35"^^ . "EP/C011988/2" . "Announced" . . "Tailored Surface Plasmon Enhanced Photocatalysis" . . . . . . "Tissue engineering is a new discipline at the interface of engineering and the life sciences that aims to design and grow medical implants specific to a patient's needs; e.g. new skin for burn victims, replacement cartlidge for arthritic patients or those suffereing from injury, spinal implants for osteoporosis sufferers. A major obstacle to this technology is the ability to manufacture engineering structures (scaffolds) that act as a temporary home for the cells used to generate the new tissues. \r\rIn this proposal we will use novel 3-dimensional manufacturing tools to overcome these barriers to progress in tissue engineering. These techniques include ink-jet printing, 3-D photopatterning (stereolithography) and a stylus with sub-micron resolution. To achieve these aims we will need to develop new materials and methodologies working with our collabiorators in Loughborough University." . . "2005-04-15" . "2007-08-14" . "No" . . "529819.29"^^ . "EP/C01328X/1" . "Announced" . . "Manufacture of Bio-Functional Components by Freeform Fabrication" . . . . . . "A Gordon Conference is being organised with the title 'Ceramic Challenges in MEMS, Nanotechnology and Biological Materials'. Its objective is to act as a forum for discussion at the frontiers of research in these limked topic areas. Of the invited speakers, three are UK based.\r\rTo ensure the maximum benefit to the UK research community it is proposed to invite three promising young academic appointees in this field and support 10 research students to present posters." . . "2005-05-01" . "2005-11-30" . "No" . . "13129.21"^^ . "EP/C013301/1" . "Announced" . . "Gordon Conference: Solid State Studies in Ceramics" . . . . . . "The sustainable use of materials is an essential element in achieving a more sustainable future. SUMEEPnet is a proposed Network on the Sustainable Use of Materials in Electrical and Electronic Products. It includes Members drawn from academe, industry, government departments and other networks and organisations interested in the sustainable use of materials in society. The Network will use its membership to identify, define and prioritise the research and development requirements and to establish research collaborations and consortia to meet the needs. To this end the Network will also work with EPSRC, DTI, DEFRA, Intellect and related Networks to agree priorities for research and identify vehicles for funding the research agenda.\r\rSUMEEPnet will also seek to ensure that the materials research needs explicitly account for the wider socio-economic and environmental factors which impact on sustainable development and use of electrical and electronic products. It will develop and pursue the research and collaborative working agenda by holding a series of conferences and workshops addressing key issues of relevance to the Membership. \r\rThe Coordinator will establish a website to inform the Membership of developments, facilitate the exchange of ideas, encourage collaboration and to ensure awareness and links with other Networks and partnerships. This will assist the Members and inform interested parties of the Network's activities in support of it's objectives.\r\rThe Network wil also form working groups, where appropriate, to address particluar issues and to report back to the Membership on their findings. \r\rSUMEEPnet will also ensure the resulting SUMEEP community is able to continue beyond the period of EPSRC funding and it will examine its future role and the funding mechanisms to support tjhis role to continue to create benefits from the sustainable use of materials." . "The sustainable use of materials is an essential element in achieving a more sustainable future. SUMEEPnet is a proposed Network on the Sustainable Use of Materials in Electrical and Electronic Products. It includes Members drawn from academe, industry, government departments and other networks and organisations interested in the sustainable use of materials in society. The Network will use its membership to identify, define and prioritise the research and development requirements and to establish research collaborations and consortia to meet the needs. To this end the Network will also work with EPSRC, DTI, DEFRA, Intellect and related Networks to agree priorities for research and identify vehicles for funding the research agenda.\r\rSUMEEPnet will also seek to ensure that the materials research needs explicitly account for the wider socio-economic and environmental factors which impact on sustainable development and use of electrical and electronic products. It will develop and pursue the research and collaborative working agenda by holding a series of conferences and workshops addressing key issues of relevance to the Membership. \r\rThe Coordinator will establish a website to inform the Membership of developments, facilitate the exchange of ideas, encoura" . . "2005-03-01" . "2007-12-31" . "No" . . "62774.03"^^ . "EP/C013581/1" . "Announced" . . "Network for Sustainable Use of Materials in Electrical and Electronic Products (SUMEEPnet)" . . . . . . "Carbon-based materials (organic or polymer materials) are of great interest to researchers and industry due to their wide ranging properties and potential to fabricate low-cost devices from them. In recent years intensive research into these types of materials has lead to their use in electrical devices such as light emitting diodes for display applications. This research has proved particularly successful and these devices are now found in a number of commercial applications. Following the success of this work researchers have turned their attention to using these materials in devices that emit near infra-red (NIR) light, and in solar cells. Due to a number of limiting factors, this research has not to date been able to demonstrate these types of devices operating with a high enough efficiency. The limiting factors are based on the fundamental properties of these materials and include the processes that lead to light being emitted and the mechanisms that allow energy and charge to move between and within the materials.\r\rRecently, a new class of non-carbon based (inorganic) particles have been developed that behave like artificial atoms called quantum dots (QDs). These QDs have a number of properties that are of interest for use in devices such as those mentioned above. In particular, QDs can be designed and tuned to emit light efficiently from the visible into the infra-red region of the spectrum if suitably excited. These QDs can also be isolated and coated with organic materials thus allowing them to be used in hybrid systems that mix organic and inorganic materials together. Such hybrid systems have great potential for producing a new generation of efficient devices including solar cells and infra-red emitters that are highly efficient and low cost to produce. However, all of the devices reported to date (that are based on this hybrid mixture of materials) have exhibited efficiencies well below what could be possible if the systems were better designed. In order to design such 'optimised systems' the interactions between the organic and inorganic materials must be fully understood so we can utilise the mechanisms taking place to our favour.\r\rThe research to be carried out in this programme is designed to obtain a clearer understanding of the interactions and associated mechanisms that take place between the organic and inorganic materials (organic molecules and QDs respectively) in these hybrid systems. The techniques that will be used include studying these processes in real-time using femtosecond sp" . "Carbon-based materials (organic or polymer materials) are of great interest to researchers and industry due to their wide ranging properties and potential to fabricate low-cost devices from them. In recent years intensive research into these types of materials has lead to their use in electrical devices such as light emitting diodes for display applications. This research has proved particularly successful and these devices are now found in a number of commercial applications. Following the success of this work researchers have turned their attention to using these materials in devices that emit near infra-red (NIR) light, and in solar cells. Due to a number of limiting factors, this research has not to date been able to demonstrate these types of devices operating with a high enough efficiency. The limiting factors are based on the fundamental properties of these materials and include the processes that lead to light being emitted and the mechanisms that allow energy and charge to move between and within the materials.\r\rRecently, a new class of non-carbon based (inorganic) particles have been developed that behave like artificial atoms called quantum dots (QDs). These QDs have a number of properties that are of interest for use in devices such as those m" . . "2006-01-01" . "2008-03-31" . "No" . . "121970.3436"^^ . "EP/C013824/1" . "Announced" . . "Development and Study of Hybrid Organic-Colloidal Quantum Dot Systems" . . . . . . "Iron atoms are at the centers of a large number of biological molecules such as proteins and enzymes, and are crucially important to their function. However the concentrations of these atoms compared to the bulk is very small indeed. Therefore it is necessary to develop novel methods to determine the structure and function of these active sites. Measurement and understanding the vibrations of an atom often provides clues to structure and function not gleaned by other methods. Nuclear Inelastic Scattering (NIS) is an emerging technique that has the potential to selectively provide such information on iron atoms in the presence of all the other atoms. After some initial studies of iron-sulfur cluster protein models, we postulated the possibility of observing the whole body rotations of these groups using NIS spectroscopy when the clusters involved have off centre iron atoms. The present experiment is to prove this hypothesis by studying the NIS spectra of a molecule with a linear arrangement of three iron atoms, where we can select the iron atoms we want to observe by selective isotopic substitutions with the 57Fe isotopes. We therefore expect the whole body rotations of this molecule to be abserved only when the off centre iron atoms are substituted" . "Iron atoms are at the centers of a large number of biological molecules such as proteins and enzymes, and are crucially important to their function. However the concentrations of these atoms compared to the bulk is very small indeed. Therefore it is necessary to develop novel methods to determine the structure and function of these active sites. Measurement and understanding the vibrations of an atom often provides clues to structure and function not gleaned by other methods. Nuclear Inelastic Scattering (NIS) is an emerging technique that has the potential to selectively provide such information on iron atoms in the presence of all the other atoms. After some initial studies of iron-sulfur cluster protein models, we postulated the possibility of observing the whole body rotations of these groups using NIS spectroscopy when the clusters involved have off centre iron atoms. The present experiment is to prove this hypothesis by studying the NIS spectra of a molecule with a linear arrangement of three iron atoms, where we can select the iron atoms we want to observe by selective isotopic substitutions with the 57Fe isotopes. We therefore expect the whole body rotations of this molecule to be abserved only when the off centre iron atoms are substituted." . . "2006-01-11" . "2006-07-10" . "No" . . "4575"^^ . "EP/C014553/1" . "Announced" . . "Rotational optic lattice modes in NIS spectroscopy of molecules containing off centre iron atoms." . . . . . . "Success of knee replacement operation depends on accurate placement of the artificial joint components in the patient's knee. In the operating theatre surgeons use sets of tool kits that consist of 'jigs and fixtures' / guides to aid them in making bone cuts to prepare the joint for the implantation process of the artificial components. The tool kit usually consists of 100 or so components, which are quite costly to make and costly to sterilize for reuse between operations. The guides also have been designed for the average geometry of each knee size and so they do not fit perfectly on the bones - there is a bit of play which might result in errors when making the bone cuts. \r\rThis project is about using the images of patients' knee bones which can be stored in the computer and allow the three dimensional shapes of the bones to be displayed on a computer screen, and where the surgeon and bioengineer can do a mock operation on these bone models. This process, so called pre-operative planning is like some kind of a computer game. In this planning it is possible to call on the computer screen, from an electronic library the of right size of the artificial components, fit them on the bones; adjust the bone cuts and the position of the implant in the joint as" . "Success of knee replacement operation depends on accurate placement of the artificial joint components in the patient's knee. In the operating theatre surgeons use sets of tool kits that consist of 'jigs and fixtures' / guides to aid them in making bone cuts to prepare the joint for the implantation process of the artificial components. The tool kit usually consists of 100 or so components, which are quite costly to make and costly to sterilize for reuse between operations. The guides also have been designed for the average geometry of each knee size and so they do not fit perfectly on the bones - there is a bit of play which might result in errors when making the bone cuts. \r\rThis project is about using the images of patients' knee bones which can be stored in the computer and allow the three dimensional shapes of the bones to be displayed on a computer screen, and where the surgeon and bioengineer can do a mock operation on these bone models. This process, so called pre-operative planning is like some kind of a computer game. In this planning it is possible to call on the computer screen, from an electronic library the of right size of the artificial components, fit them on the bones; adjust the bone cuts and the position of the implant in the joint as it can never be done in the theatre. Once the optimal position of the implant is agreed, the bone cuts are also determined and on the basis of these a customised pair of guides are designed (one for each bone). Each of these guides will fit in one way only on the bone for which it is designed. It will have thin slits and holes for saw blades and drill bits to make the required bone cuts to receive the artificial component. The designs of these templates can be sent via the email to a manufacturing site to be produced overnight using a very cheap production method called rapid prototyping (RP). The RP refers a class of technologies that can automatically construct physical models from computer aided design data. Unlike traditional manufacturing techniques, in which material is removed from a block of material in a subtractive process, the RP is an additive process that melts plastic powder to create a solid object.\r\rSurgeons have tried these templates on both real and plastic knee bones and have been impressed by the accuracy of selection and placement of the correct artificial knee in the joint. Using the customised templates they were able to achieve the cuts as was planned on the computer. The short time to perform surgery, small number of tools (two t" . . "2005-05-23" . "2006-12-22" . "No" . . "101875.42"^^ . "EP/C014960/1" . "Announced" . . "Computer assisted surgery: Radiation free, expedited design of disposable patient specific templates for total knee replacement" . . . . . . "Over the last 15 years the field of conjugated polymer semiconductors has developed rapidly from fundamental laboratory discovery into a significant materials and manufacturing technology for a range of thin-film electronics applications which benefit from the compatibility of polymers with large-area, low-cost, room-temperature solution processing and direct-write printing. These applications include emissive light-emitting diode flat panel displays, and low-cost thin film transistor circuits on flexible substrates. Recently, it has become clear that some of the general methodologies of polymer electronics, which have been so successfully applied for developing conventional, thin-film electronic devices, might also open up a new pathway to bottom-up fabrication of functional nanostructures and devices. It is our vision that the combination of solution self-assembly of synthetically controlled polymer molecules to produce structurally well defined nanostructures with direct-write printing for high-resolution patterning, and interfacing of such nanoscale structures to the outside world is going to provide a powerful new, bottom-up approach to nanotechnology. Apart from the obvious need to improve on our ability to control molecular assembly, and the need to further develop high-resolution printing techniques, one of the major hurdles to achieve this vision is the need for a much improved understanding of the microscopic, quantum-mechanical excitations and physical processes in polymer semiconductors in the bulk and particularly at interfaces. Such molecular-scale understanding will be needed to design nanoscale devices, and to interpret the outcome of optical and electrical measurement on such structures. Our understanding of important issues, such as the quantum-mechanical states involved in electron-hole recombination at a heterointerface, the effect of intermolecular interactions on neutral and charged excitations in well defined polymer assemblies, or the nature of electronic defects is still much less developed than it is the case in inorganic semiconductors. \r\rThe objective of the present proposal is to develop a new solution-based, bottom-up approach to nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic devices that exhibit much improved performance and novel properties and functionalities that cannot be realized with current thin-film electronic structures. This will be achieved through a coordinated, interdisciplinary approach which aims to (a) improve the capability for controlled definition and characteriz" . "Over the last 15 years the field of conjugated polymer semiconductors has developed rapidly from fundamental laboratory discovery into a significant materials and manufacturing technology for a range of thin-film electronics applications which benefit from the compatibility of polymers with large-area, low-cost, room-temperature solution processing and direct-write printing. These applications include emissive light-emitting diode flat panel displays, and low-cost thin film transistor circuits on flexible substrates. Recently, it has become clear that some of the general methodologies of polymer electronics, which have been so successfully applied for developing conventional, thin-film electronic devices, might also open up a new pathway to bottom-up fabrication of functional nanostructures and devices. It is our vision that the combination of solution self-assembly of synthetically controlled polymer molecules to produce structurally well defined nanostructures with direct-write printing for high-resolution patterning, and interfacing of such nanoscale structures to the outside world is going to provide a powerful new, bottom-up approach to nanotechnology. Apart from the obvious need to improve on our ability to control molecular assembly, and the need t" . . "2005-10-01" . "2009-03-31" . "No" . . "3007274.3396"^^ . "EP/C015401/1" . "Announced" . . "Electronic properties and device physics of functional polymer nanostructures" . . . . . . "Cancer and Stem Cells\rMathematics and ICT\rMaterials\rMedical statistics and epidemiology" . . "2004-10-01" . "2010-09-30" . "Yes" . . "1375000"^^ . "EP/C509048/1" . "Announced" . . "Academic Fellowships Queen Mary University of London" . . . . . . "INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY/PHARMACOLOGY\t\rCENTRE FOR REGENERATIVE DENTISTRY\t\rNEURAL STEM CELLS" . . "2004-10-01" . "2010-09-30" . "Yes" . . "750000"^^ . "EP/C509455/1" . "Announced" . . "Academic Fellowships Kings College London" . . . . . . "The aim of the work proposed is to explore the feasibility of 'extreme' nanoscale fabrication by exploiting the nanowidth interface between immiscible liquids as a locus for the generation and deposition of metallic, semiconductor and insulator materials via chemical reaction. The approach we propose to follow controls the form of the liquid-liquid interface and the delivery of reagents to that interface to enable better control to be achieved over metallic (and semiconducting) structures grown at this interface. This strategy will be pursued by: (a) using flow to control the delivery of reagents to the interface, and (b) locating the interface between the immiscible liquid phases within channels of progressively decreasing dimensions. The fabrication of metallic (Au, Ag, Cu) and semiconducting (II-VI compound semiconductors) of hitherto inaccessible dimensions will be attempted: depths will be as low as ca I nm (this minimum value being dictated by the thickness of the liquid-liquid interface), nm to mm widths (with values controlled by the channel width) and mm to cm lengths (this dimension will be controlled by the channel length). If successful, wire deposition on lengths approaching the meter scale will be attempted, to determine how far this approach could go." . "The aim of the work proposed is to explore the feasibility of 'extreme' nanoscale fabrication by exploiting the nanowidth interface between immiscible liquids as a locus for the generation and deposition of metallic, semiconductor and insulator materials via chemical reaction. The approach we propose to follow controls the form of the liquid-liquid interface and the delivery of reagents to that interface to enable better control to be achieved over metallic (and semiconducting) structures grown at this interface. This strategy will be pursued by: (a) using flow to control the delivery of reagents to the interface, and (b) locating the interface between the immiscible liquid phases within channels of progressively decreasing dimensions. The fabrication of metallic (Au, Ag, Cu) and semiconducting (II-VI compound semiconductors) of hitherto inaccessible dimensions will be attempted: depths will be as low as ca I nm (this minimum value being dictated by the thickness of the liquid-liquid interface), nm to mm widths (with values controlled by the channel width) and mm to cm lengths (this dimension will be controlled by the channel length). If successful, wire deposition on lengths approaching the meter scale will be attempted, to determine how far this approac" . . "2005-09-01" . "2008-08-31" . "No" . . "313090.95"^^ . "EP/C509773/1" . "Announced" . . "Continuous Processing Of Nanoparticles Using Immiscible Fluid Streams" . . . . . . "Tomography is the reconstruction of a 3D 'image' from a series of 2D radiographs measured as the sample is rotated. Currently the state of the art is micron scale tomography. Our aim is to develop a technique capable of nanotomography for the 3D imaging of engineering materials and components to provide the equivalent of a 3D 'scanning electron microscope' with comparable versatility. This requires a step improvement in the imaging hardware in order to collect images of sufficient resolution. However that alone is not sufficient: the current reconstruction software requires the whole sample lie within the field of view for all images. This means that the maximum sample size to spatial resolution (given in terms of the pixels or voxels) ratio is approximately equal to the number of pixels (typically 10000). As a result increasing resolution requires smaller and smaller (sub-millimetre) samples. We will develop local tomography and partial angle reconstructions to reduce this constraint. Otherwise it would not be possible to exploit the increased spatial resolution because the samples would be too small to be of engineering significance. In this project we will develop both synchrotron and lab. X-ray tomography instruments and associated software." . . "2005-06-01" . "2009-05-31" . "No" . . "325635.68"^^ . "EP/C509803/1" . "Announced" . . "Nanotomography" . . . . . . "The proposed project would investigate the possibility of creating cellulose based molecular composites which with the aid of nano particles technology could have enhanced physical property characteristics. The project relies on the ability to solubilise the cellulose feedstock and achieve solubilisation at a nao molecular level. Retention of the intrinsic crystalline structure of the cellulose will allow processing to impart physical properties which should resemble those of wood. Processing would be achieved by the use of reactive solvents; isocynantes of styrene - polyesters. The use of clay and sol-gel nano technology would allow enhnacement of the physical properties of the materials without disadvantages of macroscopic fillers. Pyrolysis of the materials would be investigated as a method of creating 'carbon fibres'. These materials have potentially the advantage of being reinforced by the clay platelets and hence achieving enhanced physical properties relative to the typical graphite fibres." . . "2005-06-27" . "2008-08-26" . "No" . . "252081.5436"^^ . "EP/C509994/1" . "Announced" . . "Speculative Research In Engineering Initiative Cellulose Based Nanocomposite Materials" . . . . . . "The primary aim of this proposed project is to complete atom guiding and delivery in (a) free-space non zero order laser beams and (b) 'holey' photonic crystal fibre (PCF). This proposal requests fund only to repair a Millenia laser. The PCF-based work embraces a recent breakthrough in optical fibre technology - the world's first hollow-core PCF in which the light is genuinely guided, in a single transverse mode, in a hollow tube. This air-core photonic band gap fibre makes feasible for the first time practical and enhanced atom and particle guiding over long distances (potentially metres) within flexible light pipes.\rIn addition repair of the Millenia laser will allow for new studies in biophotonics and optical micromanipulation. The biophotonics work will look at neuronal and cell growth using laser light where the light optically guides and dictates growth direction. This process will be studied as a function of wavelength and power. Additionally we will investigate the use of patterned light (using dynamic holograms or otherwise) to facilitate growth of cells/neurons into specific structures.\rFinally we will look at optical levitation in a Bessel light beams where we believe we can observe long vertical particle chains due to an interplay between gr" . "The primary aim of this proposed project is to complete atom guiding and delivery in (a) free-space non zero order laser beams and (b) 'holey' photonic crystal fibre (PCF). This proposal requests fund only to repair a Millenia laser. The PCF-based work embraces a recent breakthrough in optical fibre technology - the world's first hollow-core PCF in which the light is genuinely guided, in a single transverse mode, in a hollow tube. This air-core photonic band gap fibre makes feasible for the first time practical and enhanced atom and particle guiding over long distances (potentially metres) within flexible light pipes.\rIn addition repair of the Millenia laser will allow for new studies in biophotonics and optical micromanipulation. The biophotonics work will look at neuronal and cell growth using laser light where the light optically guides and dictates growth direction. This process will be studied as a function of wavelength and power. Additionally we will investigate the use of patterned light (using dynamic holograms or otherwise) to facilitate growth of cells/neurons into specific structures.\rFinally we will look at optical levitation in a Bessel light beams where we believe we can observe long vertical particle chains due to an interplay between gravity, scattering and the self healing properties of the light beam. This may form a new type of optically bound matter." . . "2004-09-01" . "2006-08-31" . "No" . . "9399"^^ . "EP/C510569/1" . "Announced" . . "Repair of millenia 532nm laser: optical guiding of atoms and studies in biophotonics" . . . . . . "The aim of this research is to develop a new numerical method, a particle-based meshless method, for modelling particulate composites and to analyse failure of such composites under various loading conditions. The ability to effectively model particulate composites would create an opportunity for significant improvements to the fracture analysis of structures made of such materials, with consequent reductions In cost, consumption of energy and raw materials. The method is one of a family of new numerical techniques, known collectively as meshless methods, which show great potential for the simulation of a range of phenomena that conventional computational techniques are unable to deal with effectively.\rThe main objectives of the work are as follows. First, to develop a particle based numerical method to model and analyse the fracture mechanism and force-deformation behaviour of particulate composite in two dimensions. This will be validated against results obtained with other numerical techniques and experimental data. Then, secondly, to extend the method to model fracture in three-dimensional particulate composite. The work will require a post doctoral research E assistant working for 30 months on the development of 2 and 3-dimensional codes and its app" . "The aim of this research is to develop a new numerical method, a particle-based meshless method, for modelling particulate composites and to analyse failure of such composites under various loading conditions. The ability to effectively model particulate composites would create an opportunity for significant improvements to the fracture analysis of structures made of such materials, with consequent reductions In cost, consumption of energy and raw materials. The method is one of a family of new numerical techniques, known collectively as meshless methods, which show great potential for the simulation of a range of phenomena that conventional computational techniques are unable to deal with effectively.\rThe main objectives of the work are as follows. First, to develop a particle based numerical method to model and analyse the fracture mechanism and force-deformation behaviour of particulate composite in two dimensions. This will be validated against results obtained with other numerical techniques and experimental data. Then, secondly, to extend the method to model fracture in three-dimensional particulate composite. The work will require a post doctoral research E assistant working for 30 months on the development of 2 and 3-dimensional codes and its applications to failure analysis. when successful, this project will provide the scientific basis for modelling various particulate composites and multiphase materials in the near future. For example, metal matrix composites, magnetostrictive particle-filled elastomers and many other multiphase materials which are widely used in modern engineering applications can be modelled based on this approach." . . . "2005-05-01" . "2008-03-31" . "No" . . "113982.54"^^ . "EP/C510585/1" . "Announced" . . "A novel particle based approach for modelling fracture in particulate composites" . . . . . . "Cementitious materials (most commonly concrete and mortar) are among the most widely used construction materials. They comprise gravel or sand aggregates and cement as a binding agent. Such materials are engineered, composite materials which are quite common and have a low tech image, but it is surprising that they are among the least understood materials, due to their complex nature. Structural concrete (a generic name comprising plain concrete, reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete) has composite, microstructural components with features that span ten orders of magnitude in size - from nanometre-sized pores to metre-size reinforcement bars, with paste, sand and gravel particles of all sizes in between these limits. Such complex composites are made even more complicated by the time dependent nature of the cement hydration processes (by which a hardened solid is created), which begins at the time of mixing of cement clinker minerals with water and continue for months and even years. The macroscopic properties of concrete are mainly generated by the main hydration product, the so called C-S-H (calcium silicate hydrates) gel, a variable, nanoscale composite material itself, that is affected by a multiple-scale network (from nm to mm) of capillary pores and microcracks.\rStandard measurements of macroscopic properties of cementitious materials are useful for standard construction processes, when the material is treated as a homogeneous solid. However they cannot fully explain materials durability, and their response under extreme conditions, like a fire or an exposure to aggressive environment. Therefore, fundamental understanding of the evolution and the behaviour of the cement matrix and its interaction with the other constituents and the environment is necessary. In such cases, the cementitious material response is affected by many chemical and physical processes on different scales, and special equipment (nanoindentation) is used to characterise properties of constituents at a micro and nano scale, as well as properties on the interface between constituents.\rRecent advances in computational modelling techniques, which are now capable of describing and realistically simulating complex material material behaviour using very rigorous mathematical setting, which considers heterogenous and discontinuous (paritculate) nature of evolving composite materials, like cementitious materials, when subjected to varying or extreme conditions.. Such sophisticated mathematical models rely on the material chacteri" . "Cementitious materials (most commonly concrete and mortar) are among the most widely used construction materials. They comprise gravel or sand aggregates and cement as a binding agent. Such materials are engineered, composite materials which are quite common and have a low tech image, but it is surprising that they are among the least understood materials, due to their complex nature. Structural concrete (a generic name comprising plain concrete, reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete) has composite, microstructural components with features that span ten orders of magnitude in size - from nanometre-sized pores to metre-size reinforcement bars, with paste, sand and gravel particles of all sizes in between these limits. Such complex composites are made even more complicated by the time dependent nature of the cement hydration processes (by which a hardened solid is created), which begins at the time of mixing of cement clinker minerals with water and continue for months and even years. The macroscopic properties of concrete are mainly generated by the main hydration product, the so called C-S-H (calcium silicate hydrates) gel, a variable, nanoscale composite material itself, that is affected by a multiple-scale network (from nm to mm) of capillary por" . . "2004-08-01" . "2005-03-31" . "No" . . "51723.085"^^ . "EP/C510933/1" . "Announced" . . "Centre For Microstructural Modelling And Characterisation Of Cementitious Materials" . . . . . . "Many methods exist for studying wave interactions with arrays of scatterers. As the size of an array increases, solutions to scattering problems rapidly become computationally expensive. By contrast, the case of an infinite periodic array is usually a much simpler proposition. This is because the periodicity allows us to formulate the problem on a single 'cell' of the array.\rThe first part of our proposal is to develop methods by which scattering by infinite periodic arrays can be used to shed light on associated large array problems. The basic idea is simple: instead of solving for unknowns relevant to the large array case, we formulate equations for the difference between the unknowns in the infinite and large array problems. Used effectively, this can increase the efficiency of solution procedures dramatically. It also enables the effects of the edges of an array to be easily isolated.\rIn applications, interest may be in the global properties of the scattering problem, such as the far-field waves, or in the large-scale variations of the wave field within the array, and accurate determination of the wave field throughout the fluid domain may not be necessary. In such cases d is appropriate to seek approximate methods of solution that do not involve th" . "Many methods exist for studying wave interactions with arrays of scatterers. As the size of an array increases, solutions to scattering problems rapidly become computationally expensive. By contrast, the case of an infinite periodic array is usually a much simpler proposition. This is because the periodicity allows us to formulate the problem on a single 'cell' of the array.\rThe first part of our proposal is to develop methods by which scattering by infinite periodic arrays can be used to shed light on associated large array problems. The basic idea is simple: instead of solving for unknowns relevant to the large array case, we formulate equations for the difference between the unknowns in the infinite and large array problems. Used effectively, this can increase the efficiency of solution procedures dramatically. It also enables the effects of the edges of an array to be easily isolated.\rIn applications, interest may be in the global properties of the scattering problem, such as the far-field waves, or in the large-scale variations of the wave field within the array, and accurate determination of the wave field throughout the fluid domain may not be necessary. In such cases d is appropriate to seek approximate methods of solution that do not involve the small-scale variations of the wave field. Such approaches are called homogenization techniques and those presently available yield useful results for long wavelengths or for unstructured arrays. However, for large periodic arrays of structures the approximate theory obtained by homogenization cannot reproduce those phenomena, such as Bragg reflection, that arise from the periodic nature of the array. The second strand of our proposal is to devise extended homogenization techniques which can model these phenomena." . . "2005-07-01" . "2008-06-30" . "No" . . "146601.0668"^^ . "EP/C510941/1" . "Announced" . . "Mathematical methods for Wave Interaction with Large Arrays" . . . . . . "The Sustainable Urban Environments (SUE) programme currently funds a range of consortia projects under four clusters addressing different aspects of sustainable urban development (Urban and Built Environment; Waste, Water and Land Management; Transport; and Metrics, Knowledge Management and Decision Making). Following a proposal for such an event emanating from the EPSRC IEP Conference in January 2004 and detailed discussions with Peter Hedges of EPSRC, a conference for the Research Fellows/Associates working in each of the consortia is proposed to bring these different research streams into dialogue. The conference is to be hosted by the University of Birmingham (UoB) and the University of Central England (LICE), who are jointly researching urban sustainability issues using the major regeneration programme in Birmingham's Eastside as a case study. The conference is to last for three days and incorporates a half-day dissemination seminar for the current Birmingham Eastside project, a halfday session for the IEP and SUE programmes, and two days dedicated to the research fellows, with posters and conference presentations both included. There will be RF training in poster, conference paper and journal paper presentation inherent within the process." . . "2004-10-01" . "2005-03-31" . "No" . . "30647.94"^^ . "EP/C511115/1" . "Announced" . . "Research Fellows Conference Proposal - Sustainable Urban Environments: Vision Into Action" . . . . . . "Multi-storey buildings can be subjected to various forms of loading, some of which are of common and frequent nature but others are more extreme and infrequent. The former type includes the self weight of the members and finishes as well as conventional imposed loads such as those due to occupants, furniture, snow, etc. On the other hand, the latter and more severe type of loading can be caused by large explosions, major fires, strong seismic events, or a combination of these effects. Clearly, engineers have to design and construct buildings with appropriate consideration of the different loading conditions that may be experienced by the structure throughout its life cycle. However, the design philosophy can vary significantly depending on the loading under consideration. Whereas a structure is expected to resist conventional loads without suffering any notable damage that can affect its function, the main aim of design against extreme events is to prevent disproportionate collapse and loss of life even at the expense of a substantial repair or replacement cost.\rThis project deals with the performance of building structures under extreme loading conditions, focusing on the ultimate behaviour of floor slabs. The key to preventing disproportionate progressive collapse in a building may largely depend on the ability of floor slabs to deform significantly such that it can carry significant loads through membrane mechanisms rather than conventional bending strength. These membrane mechanisms are vital for the load-carrying capacity in extreme situations such as an unexpected increase in load (e.g. due to the partial collapse of higher floors), increase in actual span (e.g. due to the loss of intermediate supporting elements such as beams or columns) or reduction in the strength in material properties (due to elevated temperature). All of these effects may take place under different, or a combination of, accidental loading scenarios.\rThe main aim of this project is to assess the load-carrying capacity of floor slabs under extreme loading conditions. The research involves an experimental investigation into the performance of reinforced concrete and composite steel/concrete slabs, focusing on the failure condition causing fracture of reinforcement. The tests will examine the influence of important geometric properties, material characteristics and boundary conditions. The experimental results will be used to validate an analytical procedure which can predict the deformation and load levels corresponding to fail" . "Multi-storey buildings can be subjected to various forms of loading, some of which are of common and frequent nature but others are more extreme and infrequent. The former type includes the self weight of the members and finishes as well as conventional imposed loads such as those due to occupants, furniture, snow, etc. On the other hand, the latter and more severe type of loading can be caused by large explosions, major fires, strong seismic events, or a combination of these effects. Clearly, engineers have to design and construct buildings with appropriate consideration of the different loading conditions that may be experienced by the structure throughout its life cycle. However, the design philosophy can vary significantly depending on the loading under consideration. Whereas a structure is expected to resist conventional loads without suffering any notable damage that can affect its function, the main aim of design against extreme events is to prevent disproportionate collapse and loss of life even at the expense of a substantial repair or replacement cost.\rThis project deals with the performance of building structures under extreme loading conditions, focusing on the ultimate behaviour of floor slabs. The key to preventing disproportionate progress" . . "2006-01-03" . "2009-01-02" . "No" . . "240290.52"^^ . "EP/C511204/1" . "Announced" . . "Failure Assessment Of Floor Slab Systems Under Extreme Loading Conditions" . . . . . . "The ability to understand the optical properties of semiconductors and insulators, and how these are intimately related to the structure of the materials is a cornerstone of both past and future development of new opto-electronic materials. One method that can achieve this is that of Optically-Detected Xray Absorption Spectroscopy (OD-XAS) where x-ray absorption features (related to the chemistry and structure of a sample) are recorded directly from\rthe luminescence emission.\rHitherto, measurements have involved detection and analysis of volume-integrated luminescence emitted from the samples under study In many instances however, the most relevant samples to study are not homogeneous, but complex meso- or nano-structured systems, where the extended structure critically determines the optical emission properties. Obvious examples are opto-electronically engineered quantum wells and superlattices, and bulk systems where phase-segregation occurs on microscopic scales due to immiscibility of the constituent atoms.\rOne obvious way to tackle the problems associated with spatial variability of the OD-XAS spectra is to undertake the measurements in imaging mode, thereby allowing the chemical, luminescence and structural maps of the materials to be derived dir" . "The ability to understand the optical properties of semiconductors and insulators, and how these are intimately related to the structure of the materials is a cornerstone of both past and future development of new opto-electronic materials. One method that can achieve this is that of Optically-Detected Xray Absorption Spectroscopy (OD-XAS) where x-ray absorption features (related to the chemistry and structure of a sample) are recorded directly from\rthe luminescence emission.\rHitherto, measurements have involved detection and analysis of volume-integrated luminescence emitted from the samples under study In many instances however, the most relevant samples to study are not homogeneous, but complex meso- or nano-structured systems, where the extended structure critically determines the optical emission properties. Obvious examples are opto-electronically engineered quantum wells and superlattices, and bulk systems where phase-segregation occurs on microscopic scales due to immiscibility of the constituent atoms.\rOne obvious way to tackle the problems associated with spatial variability of the OD-XAS spectra is to undertake the measurements in imaging mode, thereby allowing the chemical, luminescence and structural maps of the materials to be derived directly. The purpose of this EPSRC research application is thus to explore, for the first time, the possibilities of implementing far-field imaging OD-XAS." . . "Sat Feb 05 00:00:00 GMT 2005" . "Fri Aug 04 01:00:00 BST 2006" . "No" . . "209490.8546"^^ . "EP/C511212/1" . "Announced" . . "Chemical, Structural and Luminescence Mapping Of Surfaces Using Micro-Imaging Optical Detection Of X-Ray Absorption Spectra" . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2005-03-01" . "2007-02-28" . "No" . . "21047.69"^^ . "EP/C511417/1" . "Announced" . . "Demonstration of a high-temperature spin-LED based on (110)-oriented quantum wells." . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2005-10-01" . "2008-10-31" . "No" . . "82911.77"^^ . "EP/C511727/1" . "Announced" . . "Micro/nanomanipulation of Single Chondrocytes to Determine Their Biological Responses to Mechanical Simulation for Cartilage Tissue Engineering" . . . . . . "Humans, particularly those who have reached maturity, have a very limited ability to repair tissue once it has been formed. As we age we encounter many diseases and injuries which can damage our tissues. The cartilage, which lines our joints, is a tissue that loses all of its powers of repair as it matures. It is also susceptible to diseases such as osteoarthritis. Without cartilage we can't bear weight when we walk or run, and the bones in our joints will rub together painfully. For many years, surgeons have performed a number of operations to try to stimulate cartilage repair. Often the operations give satisfactory results but they also promote the formation of a mechanically inferior repair tissue which can make the joint more susceptible to osteoarthritis in later life. In recent years scientists and surgeons have tried to develop new ways to repair cartilage. One exciting approach is to try and grow 'replacement' cartilage outside the human body so that it can be transplanted into the site of disease or injury. This approach is called tissue engineering. It sounds simple but the reality of achieving a perfectly formed piece of human cartilage is far more complex than we think. There are many challenges which need addressing before we can achieve the" . "Humans, particularly those who have reached maturity, have a very limited ability to repair tissue once it has been formed. As we age we encounter many diseases and injuries which can damage our tissues. The cartilage, which lines our joints, is a tissue that loses all of its powers of repair as it matures. It is also susceptible to diseases such as osteoarthritis. Without cartilage we can't bear weight when we walk or run, and the bones in our joints will rub together painfully. For many years, surgeons have performed a number of operations to try to stimulate cartilage repair. Often the operations give satisfactory results but they also promote the formation of a mechanically inferior repair tissue which can make the joint more susceptible to osteoarthritis in later life. In recent years scientists and surgeons have tried to develop new ways to repair cartilage. One exciting approach is to try and grow 'replacement' cartilage outside the human body so that it can be transplanted into the site of disease or injury. This approach is called tissue engineering. It sounds simple but the reality of achieving a perfectly formed piece of human cartilage is far more complex than we think. There are many challenges which need addressing before we can achieve the ultimate goal of tissue engineered cartilage. Our research proposal tackles some of these challenges.\rCartilage is formed by cartilage-producing cells called chondrocytes. As cartilage develops, the chondrocytes receive signals from a variety of molecules which control the nature and the quality of the cartilage formed. At the same time, chondrocytes express genes which help to direct the sequence of events involved in cartilage formation. The entire process is complicated and we don't fully understand how it works. We do know, however, that chondrocytes need to be mechanically loaded in order to produce and maintain their surrounding cartilage. This means that there must a a tight balance between cartilage formation and mechanical stimulation. Our research proposal focuses on this balance. If we know how to mechanically stimulate a chondrocyte and then analyse its response then we can use this information to achieve our ultimate goal of tissue engineered cartilage.\rIn our proposal we will isolate individual chondrocytes from the cartilage. We will take the cells and apply different levels of mechanical stimulation. Then we will find out how the chondrocyte responds to the mechanical stimulation by studying the genes expressed. For mechanical stimulatio" . . "2005-09-06" . "2008-11-05" . "No" . . "198234.19"^^ . "EP/C511735/1" . "Announced" . . "Micro/nanomanipulation of Single Chondrocytes to Determine Their Biological Responses to Mechanical Simulation for Cartilage Tissue Engineering" . . . . . . "The proposed Portfolio Partnership in theoretical physics aims to deliver new knowledge needed to realize the immense potential of recent developments in nano- and meso-scale dynamics. Nanoscience involves the control of matter atom-byatom, molecule-by-molecule and nanocluster by nanocluster to yield new materials, which can be integrated into larger scale components and architectures. Nanoscience and the emergence of novel micro- and nano-technologies require new theories of dynamical electronic, magnetic and mechanical properties of systems, which didn't exist a few years ago. The proposed Portfolio Partnership will explore the basic science of meso- and nano-scale solid-state electronic and magnetic devices and develop theoretical methods for the flexible modelling of complex meso-scale systems. These include objects with dimensions less than the relevant correlation length (e.g., superconducting correlation and phase-coherence, spin and energy relaxation lengths), whose properties cannot be simply scaled down from macroscopic material parameters, or systems whose dynamics are dominated by non-classical effects such as the Casimir force.\rOn the one hand, MEMS are devices that integrate electronic and micro-mechanical structures with micron dimension f" . "The proposed Portfolio Partnership in theoretical physics aims to deliver new knowledge needed to realize the immense potential of recent developments in nano- and meso-scale dynamics. Nanoscience involves the control of matter atom-byatom, molecule-by-molecule and nanocluster by nanocluster to yield new materials, which can be integrated into larger scale components and architectures. Nanoscience and the emergence of novel micro- and nano-technologies require new theories of dynamical electronic, magnetic and mechanical properties of systems, which didn't exist a few years ago. The proposed Portfolio Partnership will explore the basic science of meso- and nano-scale solid-state electronic and magnetic devices and develop theoretical methods for the flexible modelling of complex meso-scale systems. These include objects with dimensions less than the relevant correlation length (e.g., superconducting correlation and phase-coherence, spin and energy relaxation lengths), whose properties cannot be simply scaled down from macroscopic material parameters, or systems whose dynamics are dominated by non-classical effects such as the Casimir force.\rOn the one hand, MEMS are devices that integrate electronic and micro-mechanical structures with micron dimension feature sizes. The small scale of these devices offers radical improvements in performance and cost with the inherent mechanical properties of silicon providing robustness and integration with electronic interfaces. Developing a fast-route approach to the modelling and characterisation of the (nonlinear) dynamical behaviour of MEMS will enable significant progress to be made on incorporating important physical conditions and non-trivial geometrical configurations into popular behavioural modelling languages such as VHDL-AMS and CAD tools. Furthermore, the integration of MEMS dynamics under fault and degradation conditions and non-idealities introduced during the processing of the device will be under much more control. On the other hand, controlled electron transport through carbon nanotubes and single molecules will create new paradigms in quantum information processing and a range of possibilities for ultra-sensitive quantum sensors. It will open the floodgates to many new experiments involving quantum physics, not least because the small scale of molecular-electronic devices means that quantum effects would be observable at room temperature. Molecular electronics is a more speculative research area than solid-state nanoelectronics, but if realised, will" . . "2004-10-01" . "2010-03-31" . "Yes" . . "1143829.4216"^^ . "EP/C511743/1" . "Announced" . . "Portfolio Partnership on Modelling of Transport and Dynamics in Mesoscale Systems" . . . . . . "A grand challenge in science is the controlled assembly of atoms and molecules into novel forms as the basis for new physical phenomena and next-generation technologies. This Portfolio Partnership will focus on materials discovery through the development of fundamental synthesis capabilities that will allow structure and composition to be controlled and predicted on length scales from the unit cell to microns. The science we target will empower societal efforts to face such challenges as sustainable development (energy sources and storage, catalysis, alternative solvents), information and communications technologies, and the development of complex 'bioinspired' materials. Our overall goal is to design and synthesize materials that are unimaginable today; for example, to make completely synthetic structures from materials such as silica, metals, and polymers which have some of the hierarchical complexity of natural living organisms but retain and enhance the function of the non-natural component.\rAlthough we have extensive characterisation expertise and applications - specific programmes in areas such as microwave resonators for telecommunications and nanocomposites for home and personal care applications - it is the fundamental expertise in discovery of new states of matter which is the internationally-leading expertise we aim to build on here. The scientific capability of the partnership team encompasses a vast range of topical materials and associated functionality - from dense inorganic oxide materials (with electron and ion transport and polarisation properties responsible for superconductivity, magnetoresistance, ferro - and dielectric behaviour and (electro) catalysis) via molecular extended solids (open-framework materials for gas storage and catalysis, fullerene-based superconducting and magnetic materials) to flexible organic-based polymers with the capability to both mimic and improve on Nature, to support and enhance chemically functional molecules, and to impose nanostructured order on particles and molecules. The Partnership will focus its research activity on the most exciting problems within these areas and aggressively exploit the potential for the discovery of unprecedented materials that is opened by the diversity of length scales over which we work. Four research themes have been selected to reflect the most important problems where materials discovery can set the research agenda, reflecting the need for synthetic control, predictable modular modification of structure and enhancement o" . "A grand challenge in science is the controlled assembly of atoms and molecules into novel forms as the basis for new physical phenomena and next-generation technologies. This Portfolio Partnership will focus on materials discovery through the development of fundamental synthesis capabilities that will allow structure and composition to be controlled and predicted on length scales from the unit cell to microns. The science we target will empower societal efforts to face such challenges as sustainable development (energy sources and storage, catalysis, alternative solvents), information and communications technologies, and the development of complex 'bioinspired' materials. Our overall goal is to design and synthesize materials that are unimaginable today; for example, to make completely synthetic structures from materials such as silica, metals, and polymers which have some of the hierarchical complexity of natural living organisms but retain and enhance the function of the non-natural component.\rAlthough we have extensive characterisation expertise and applications - specific programmes in areas such as microwave resonators for telecommunications and nanocomposites for home and personal care applications - it is the fundamental expertise in discovery of" . . . "2004-10-01" . "2010-09-30" . "Yes" . . "5303743.7754"^^ . "EP/C511794/1" . "Announced" . . "Complex Materials Discovery Portfolio Partnership" . . . . . . "Spin injection, manipulation and detection are the prime characteristics of any future spintronics device. The single most critical problem that needs to be overcome if hybrid ferromagnetic metal-semiconductor devices are to be used for spintronic device applications, is the efficient transfer of spin between the two systems. The resistance mismatch between metals and semiconductors does not allow the differences in spin population that naturally exist in ferromagnetic metals to be preserved when a current is passed from metal to semiconductor. It has now been well established that to overcome this problem a high resistance interface needs to be engineered between metal and semiconductor. There has been some progress to date in the injection problem with engineered Schttky tunnel contacts. No progress has been made to address the spin detection problem. The aim of the proposal is to engineer the tunnel or Schottky barrier between the ferromagnetic metal and semiconductor to optimise the spin injection and detection efficiencies across the interfaces.\rIn this work we have chosen to use narrow gap semiconductors because they offer particular advantage. One advantage over the GaAs system is the range of lattice matched materials that can be used to create such barrier layer engineering. Other advantages are their much greater potential to manipulate the spin while traversing the semiconductor because of the higher spin orbit coupling, and high room temperature mobilities.. The most efficient spin injection has been from a dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS) into the AlGaAs/GaAs system where there is no resisitivity mismatch problem. However, the low Curie temperature (Tc) of these materials, (as yet well below room temperature) limit the usefulness of DMS applications. If spintronic devices are to have useful application the problems associated with metal - semiconductor hybrid systems must be overcome. These issues are addressed fully in this proposal.\rWe bring together a consortium of specialists at four Uk universities who have the experience and expertise to establish a UK program in this area. The work will tackle the interface engineering for spin injection (which has already had moderate success in the GaAs/AIGaAs system) and spin detection (which is much less well understood in general). We will establish the best combination of material systems to produce useful spintronic structures for room temperature application." . "Spin injection, manipulation and detection are the prime characteristics of any future spintronics device. The single most critical problem that needs to be overcome if hybrid ferromagnetic metal-semiconductor devices are to be used for spintronic device applications, is the efficient transfer of spin between the two systems. The resistance mismatch between metals and semiconductors does not allow the differences in spin population that naturally exist in ferromagnetic metals to be preserved when a current is passed from metal to semiconductor. It has now been well established that to overcome this problem a high resistance interface needs to be engineered between metal and semiconductor. There has been some progress to date in the injection problem with engineered Schttky tunnel contacts. No progress has been made to address the spin detection problem. The aim of the proposal is to engineer the tunnel or Schottky barrier between the ferromagnetic metal and semiconductor to optimise the spin injection and detection efficiencies across the interfaces.\rIn this work we have chosen to use narrow gap semiconductors because they offer particular advantage. One advantage over the GaAs system is the range of lattice matched materials that can be used to create s" . . "2005-04-01" . "2008-09-30" . "No" . . "610487.7534"^^ . "EP/C511972/1" . "Announced" . "Materials Engineering To Optimise The Spin Dependent Transport Between Ferromagnetic Metals and Narrow Gap Semiconductors" . . . . . . "Spin injection, manipulation and detection are the prime characteristics of any future spintronics device. The single most critical problem that needs to be overcome if hybrid ferromagnetic metal-semiconductor devices are to be used for spintronic device applications, is the efficient transfer of spin between the two systems. The resistance mismatch between metals and semiconductors does not allow the differences in spin population that naturally exist in ferromagnetic metals to be preserved when a current is passed from metal to semiconductor. It has now been well established that to overcome this problem a high resistance interface needs to be engineered between metal and semiconductor. There has been some progress to date on the injection problem with engineered Schottky tunnel contacts. No progress has been made to address the spin detection problem. The aim of the proposal is to engineer the tunnel or Schottky barrier between the ferromagnetic metal semiconductor to optimise the spin injection and detection efficiencies across the interfaces. In this work we have chosen to use narrow gap semiconductors because they offer particular advantage. One advantage over the GaAs system is the range of lattice matched materials that can be used to create such" . "Spin injection, manipulation and detection are the prime characteristics of any future spintronics device. The single most critical problem that needs to be overcome if hybrid ferromagnetic metal-semiconductor devices are to be used for spintronic device applications, is the efficient transfer of spin between the two systems. The resistance mismatch between metals and semiconductors does not allow the differences in spin population that naturally exist in ferromagnetic metals to be preserved when a current is passed from metal to semiconductor. It has now been well established that to overcome this problem a high resistance interface needs to be engineered between metal and semiconductor. There has been some progress to date on the injection problem with engineered Schottky tunnel contacts. No progress has been made to address the spin detection problem. The aim of the proposal is to engineer the tunnel or Schottky barrier between the ferromagnetic metal semiconductor to optimise the spin injection and detection efficiencies across the interfaces. In this work we have chosen to use narrow gap semiconductors because they offer particular advantage. One advantage over the GaAs system is the range of lattice matched materials that can be used to create such barrier layer engineering. Other advantages are their much greater potential to manipulate the spin while traversing the semiconductor because of the higher spin orbit coupling, and high room temperature mobilities. The most efficient spin injection has been from a dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS) into the AlGaAs/GaAs system where there is no resisitivity mismatch problem. However, the low Curie temperature (Tc) of these materials, (as yet well below room temperature) limit the usefulness of DMS applications." . . "2005-04-01" . "2008-03-31" . "No" . . "254870.3108"^^ . "EP/C511980/1" . "Announced" . . "Materials Engineering To Optimise The Spin Dependent Transport Between Ferromagnetic Metals and Narrow Gap Semiconductors" . . . . . . "Spin injection, manipulation and detection are the prime characteristics of any future spintronics device. The single most critical problem that needs to be overcome if hybrid ferromagnetic metal-semiconductor devices are to be used for spintronic device applications, is the efficient transfer of spin between the two systems. The resistance mismatch between metals and semiconductors does not allow the differences in spin population that naturally exist in ferromagnetic metals to be preserved when a current is passed from metal to semiconductor. It has now been well established that to overcome this problem a high resistance interface needs to be engineered between metal and semiconductor. There has been some progress to date in the injection problem with engineered Schttky tunnel contacts. No progress has been made to address the spin detection problem. The aim of the proposal is to engineer the tunnel or Schottky barrier between the ferromagnetic metal semiconductor to optimise the spin injection and detection efficiencies across the interfaces. In this work we have chosen to use narrow gap semiconductors because they offer particular advantage. One advantage over the GaAs system is the range of lattice matched materials that can be used to create such b" . "Spin injection, manipulation and detection are the prime characteristics of any future spintronics device. The single most critical problem that needs to be overcome if hybrid ferromagnetic metal-semiconductor devices are to be used for spintronic device applications, is the efficient transfer of spin between the two systems. The resistance mismatch between metals and semiconductors does not allow the differences in spin population that naturally exist in ferromagnetic metals to be preserved when a current is passed from metal to semiconductor. It has now been well established that to overcome this problem a high resistance interface needs to be engineered between metal and semiconductor. There has been some progress to date in the injection problem with engineered Schttky tunnel contacts. No progress has been made to address the spin detection problem. The aim of the proposal is to engineer the tunnel or Schottky barrier between the ferromagnetic metal semiconductor to optimise the spin injection and detection efficiencies across the interfaces. In this work we have chosen to use narrow gap semiconductors because they offer particular advantage. One advantage over the GaAs system is the range of lattice matched materials that can be used to create such barrier layer engineering. Other advantages are their much greater potential to manipulate the spin while traversing the semiconductor because of the higher spin orbit coupling, and high room temperature mobilities.. The most efficient spin injection has been from a dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS) into the AIGaAs/GaAs system where there is no resisitivity mismatch problem. However, the low Curie temperature (Tc) of these materials, (as yet well below room temperature) limit the usefulness of DMS applications." . . "2005-04-01" . "2008-09-30" . "No" . . "221474.3672"^^ . "EP/C511999/1" . "Announced" . . "Materials Engineering To Optimise The Spin Dependent Transport Between Ferromagnetic Metals and Narrow Gap Semiconductors" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2005-04-01" . "2008-03-31" . "No" . . "110717.188"^^ . "EP/C512006/1" . "Announced" . . "Materials Engineering To Optimise The Spin Dependent Transport Between Ferromagnetic Metals and Narrow Gap Semiconductors" . . . . . . "This First Grant proposal will develop a model that predicts natural sports surface behaviour in response to human participants, to inform sports surface engineering and sports biomechanics so that the use of natural sports surfaces can be increased to provide facilities for increased participation in sport with minimum injury risk. This provision is essential for the reduction of disease risk factors through a sustained increase in sports participation, promoted by Government Departments, without putting the population at risk from surface related sports injuries.\rA key hypothesis of this research is that natural sports surface degradation is a function of turf-reinforced soil mechanical stress-strain behaviour in response to deviatoric stress from the human body. Novel methodology will be used in a series of three experiments to (1) determine mechanical parameters for three natural surface construction materials at different moisture contents; (2) quantify the deviatoric stresses applied by the human body in running, accelerating from rest and turning in sports motion; and (3) determine the resultant surface deformation from the applied stresses.\rA new predictive model of sports surface mechanical behaviour, based on Critical State Soil Mechanical The" . "This First Grant proposal will develop a model that predicts natural sports surface behaviour in response to human participants, to inform sports surface engineering and sports biomechanics so that the use of natural sports surfaces can be increased to provide facilities for increased participation in sport with minimum injury risk. This provision is essential for the reduction of disease risk factors through a sustained increase in sports participation, promoted by Government Departments, without putting the population at risk from surface related sports injuries.\rA key hypothesis of this research is that natural sports surface degradation is a function of turf-reinforced soil mechanical stress-strain behaviour in response to deviatoric stress from the human body. Novel methodology will be used in a series of three experiments to (1) determine mechanical parameters for three natural surface construction materials at different moisture contents; (2) quantify the deviatoric stresses applied by the human body in running, accelerating from rest and turning in sports motion; and (3) determine the resultant surface deformation from the applied stresses.\rA new predictive model of sports surface mechanical behaviour, based on Critical State Soil Mechanical Theory, will be developed to synthesise the experimental data. The validated model will then inform sports surface and equipment engineering research in the development of durable surfaces and improved footwear. Sports biomechanics research will benefit from the novel human - natural surface interaction data and the model of surface mechanical behaviour, which will inform kinematic and sports injury studies.\rThe research will have wider implications that will directly benefit UK industry, sports governing bodies and participants in sporting activity; in addition, it will[ inform other research into human specific soil deformation, such as the protection of footpaths in National Parks." . . "2005-08-01" . "2008-10-31" . "No" . . "125271.6968"^^ . "EP/C512243/1" . "Announced" . . "Engineering sustainable sports surfaces: investigating human - sport surface interactions" . . . . . . "Owing to the exceptional strength of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and their high aspect ratio, much interest has been focussed on the mechanical properties of nanotube based polymer composites. Such materials have also been found to have exceptional thermal transport properties and behave as excellent conductive plastics. However, the interaction of the nanotube with the polymer matrix is critical. A poor interaction can result in mechanically weaker material whereas a strong interaction can result in enhanced strength.\rTherefore, it is proposed to chemically modify the surface of SWNTs (a relatively unexplored area) and incorporate the modified material into a range of polymer matrices. Functionalisation of the surface of SWNTs will enable us to enhance the interaction of nanotubes with a range of polymers and ultimately allow us to tailor the properties of the resulting nanocomposite materials. The mechanical and thermal properties of the nanocomposites formed will be investigated." . . . "2005-05-01" . "2008-04-30" . "No" . . "205757.1836"^^ . "EP/C512308/1" . "Announced" . . "The Chemical Modification Of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Their Use In Nanocomposite Materials" . . . . . . "The proposed DTC will provide LSI doctoral training with a focus on medical devices, covering a number of interdisciplinary themes in this area to meet real clinical and medical industry user needs. Future developments in medical devices and technology are expected to reflect the convergence of science, engineering and medicine that is evolving from an increasingly multidisciplinary research environment. UK Foresight exercises have identified clear requirements to develop new medical devices and technology. The Medical Devices Faraday Partnership (MDFP) was funded by the DTI, EPSRC and BBSRC in September 2002 to help meet the future requirements in this field. The proposed DTC would work closely with this new Faraday Partnership to develop world -class UK medical device research." . . "2004-10-01" . "2009-09-30" . "Yes" . . "834616"^^ . "EP/C512898/1" . "Announced" . . "Doctoral Training Centre - University of Strathclyde" . . . . . . "This research proposal is for an extension to a Sustainable Urban Environment Scoping Study that is exploring the feasibility of adopting Birmingham Eastside as a 'Demonstrator of Sustainable Urban Redevelopment' (GR/S20482, which employs four Research Fellows, started in May 2003 and will finish in October 2004). The current project is being carried out by researchers from a wide range of academic disciplines (ranging from engineers to environmental geographers to social economists) and has its primary focus on the barriers to and enablers of sustainable urban redevelopment. The current study is limited to two contrasting parts of the large Eastside area that is undergoing redevelopment (the Masshouse Area and City Park), but went through the planning stages well before the research project started. There are already many interesting findings, which have firmly established the feasibility of the site as an excellent national, and indeed international, demonstrator. Much information has been collected on the Eastside development (www.esr.bham.ac.uk) and a library has been established in the base room at the University of Birmingham, where there is office space and meeting facilities for housing permanent and visiting researchers.\rThis extension will utilise the strong multi-disciplinary research partnership established between the Universities of Birmingham (UoB) and Central England (UCE) and build upon its extensive network of contacts, including key stakeholders, policy-makers, private developers, and community-based and non-governmental organisations. By focusing upon two current developments, the existing study has both identified a hierarchy of specific and generic barriers to achieving sustainable urban redevelopment, and highlighted possible ways of overcoming them (i.e. enablers). The most important barrier to achieving sustainability (which is being considered in its broadest sense based around the three social, environmental and economic 'pillars') was identified as the decision-making process, where sustainability either becomes central (or not) to the future of the city. The proposed research will therefore explore the complex issues surrounding the barriers and enablers at the time of decision-making and develop datasets that span across the disciplines and show trends of development with time. These datasets will facilitate decision-making in Eastside which will be made available to stakeholders and decision-makers at the earliest stages, which will further help to promote sustainable think" . "This research proposal is for an extension to a Sustainable Urban Environment Scoping Study that is exploring the feasibility of adopting Birmingham Eastside as a 'Demonstrator of Sustainable Urban Redevelopment' (GR/S20482, which employs four Research Fellows, started in May 2003 and will finish in October 2004). The current project is being carried out by researchers from a wide range of academic disciplines (ranging from engineers to environmental geographers to social economists) and has its primary focus on the barriers to and enablers of sustainable urban redevelopment. The current study is limited to two contrasting parts of the large Eastside area that is undergoing redevelopment (the Masshouse Area and City Park), but went through the planning stages well before the research project started. There are already many interesting findings, which have firmly established the feasibility of the site as an excellent national, and indeed international, demonstrator. Much information has been collected on the Eastside development (www.esr.bham.ac.uk) and a library has been established in the base room at the University of Birmingham, where there is office space and meeting facilities for housing permanent and visiting researchers.\rThis extension will util" . . "2004-11-01" . "2006-12-31" . "No" . . "412332.1036"^^ . "EP/C513177/1" . "Announced" . . "An Integrated Approach to Sustainable Urban Redevelopment: Birmingham Eastside as a National Demonstrator" . . . . . . "Optical communications networks are required to work at ever increasing data rates. There is therefore a requirement for the engineering of inexpensive transmitter elements for such networks. Quantum dot (QD),laser diodes exhibit many properties which indicate that temperature insensitive, high performance, directly modulated laser diodes may be realised, leading to fibre optic transmitter modules of reduced cos and enhanced functionality. It has been predicted that QDs will replace quantum wells as the active element for telecomms lasers within 5 years. The proposed research aims to study the modulation dynamics of these QD laser diode structures with a view to their possible application of these devices in fibreoptic communication systems. The modulation dynamics are expected to be significantly different from conventional devices. providing insight into many aspects of low dimensional semiconductor physics. Furthermore, the research aims to study the prospect of engineering chirp in QDLDs (increasing the distance an optical signal can be transmitted over fibre-optic cable), and investigating novel modulation schemes involving switching the wavelength of the lasing state." . . "2004-12-01" . "2008-05-31" . "No" . . "103599.6658"^^ . "EP/C513622/1" . "Announced" . . "Modulation Dynamics if Quantum Dot Laser Diodes" . . . . . . "Designing for the 21st century often necessitates high-level knowledge or use of computational systems. Such systems are increasingly being used to model and simulate the world in which we live from the physical right through to the social. In contemporary art and design practice these computational systems are frequently embedded in products that have a physical presence in the real world. However, even though design is increasingly dominated by computation, it 's not clear that the relationship between these previously disparate disciplines is fully understood or exploited.\rIn this project, therefore, we are interested in exploring questions questions including the following: How do we perceive and relate to the computational in the physical world? What does it mean to simulate the real world in a computational environment?\rHow can we best explore and subsequently evaluate new modes of design thinking arising from the work of inter-disciplinary teams from art, design, science and engineering?\rWhat is the difference between the mechanical and computational, between the physical and the virtual? What properties of a computational system change as we move from a closed, discrete world (i.e. the cellular automata (CA) model), to an open continuous one (the mult'-agent system (MAS) model)?\rHow can we harness emergent properties of distributed systems in design?\rAnd, finally, what models can we use to enable interdisciplinary teams to work together more productively?" . "Designing for the 21st century often necessitates high-level knowledge or use of computational systems. Such systems are increasingly being used to model and simulate the world in which we live from the physical right through to the social. In contemporary art and design practice these computational systems are frequently embedded in products that have a physical presence in the real world. However, even though design is increasingly dominated by computation, it 's not clear that the relationship between these previously disparate disciplines is fully understood or exploited.\rIn this project, therefore, we are interested in exploring questions questions including the following: How do we perceive and relate to the computational in the physical world? What does it mean to simulate the real world in a computational environment?\rHow can we best explore and subsequently evaluate new modes of design thinking arising from the work of inter-disciplinary teams from art, design, science and engineering?\rWhat is the difference between the mechanical and computational, between the physical and the virtual? What properties of a computational system change as we move from a closed, discrete world (i.e. the cellular automata (CA) model), to an open continuous one (t" . . "2005-06-01" . "2006-05-31" . "No" . . "45402.62"^^ . "EP/C513789/1" . "Announced" . . "Designing Physical Artefacts From Computational Simulations and Building Computational Simulations of Physical Systems-Designing For The 21st Century" . . . . . . "Porous solids have found numerous applications in heterogeneous processes relying on the control of the sizes of the pore openings and the nature of different organic or inorganic functionalities incorporated in them. Such materials possess very complex structures with several spatially separated domains with distinctly different properties. In order to produce such solids nature resorts to a string of self-assembly processes governed by intermolecular interactions with different strengths.\rThis proposal aims at the synthesis of novel porous silicas which will combine hierarchical arrangement of pores with hierarchical distribution of organic moieties varying in sizes, hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties and types of functional groups. We will synthesise porous solids combining meso- (pores of 25-200 A) and microporosity (pores up to 25 A). The templating approach, used in the synthesis, is based on non-covalent interactions between the organic surfactants and inorganic or organosilane precursors, leading to the formation of hybrid inorganic-organic solids. In these materials the hybrid walls are arranged around the arrays of the template. To obtain such functional solids it is essential to achieve control over the co-assembly of inorganic and organic pre" . "Porous solids have found numerous applications in heterogeneous processes relying on the control of the sizes of the pore openings and the nature of different organic or inorganic functionalities incorporated in them. Such materials possess very complex structures with several spatially separated domains with distinctly different properties. In order to produce such solids nature resorts to a string of self-assembly processes governed by intermolecular interactions with different strengths.\rThis proposal aims at the synthesis of novel porous silicas which will combine hierarchical arrangement of pores with hierarchical distribution of organic moieties varying in sizes, hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties and types of functional groups. We will synthesise porous solids combining meso- (pores of 25-200 A) and microporosity (pores up to 25 A). The templating approach, used in the synthesis, is based on non-covalent interactions between the organic surfactants and inorganic or organosilane precursors, leading to the formation of hybrid inorganic-organic solids. In these materials the hybrid walls are arranged around the arrays of the template. To obtain such functional solids it is essential to achieve control over the co-assembly of inorganic and organic precursors with command over the interface, structure and morphology in a resulting inorganic/organic hybrid nanocomposite at a molecular level. The hierarchical functionality in the pores will be achieved by fine-tuning of the hydrolysis-condensation reactions of the hybrid precursors (bridged organosilanes (R'O)3Si-R-Si(OR')3) to obtain secondary precursors units which would co-assemble in a singular structure in the presence of the organic templating species.\rWe will also study the intermolecular forces responsible for the formation of complex porous solids. This will require the use of modern characterisation techniques which will provide information on the long-range structure of the products, the distribution of the organic moieties in the porous frameworks and the nature of organic/inorganic interfaces coexisting at different levels of their organisation. The challenge to this task is the limited long-range ordering in organosilica hybrids, and, therefore, methods sensitive to the local ordering need to be applied. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance will be used to determine the structure of the hybrid walls, identify the presence of the domains with different functionalities and to study the mobilities at different length scales.\rIf successful," . . "2005-05-01" . "2008-01-31" . "No" . . "123036.1746"^^ . "EP/C514580/1" . "Announced" . . "Novel hierarchical porous organosilica: synthesis, structure and dynamics" . . . . . . "The Warwick Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre is a partnership led by Warwick Manufacturing Group that also involves other Divisions in the School of Engineering and Warwick Business School. It is focused on the integration of engineering and management science to deliver novel, competitive research outputs to support improvement of performance of technology-driven businesses. The transition from an assembly of individuals, each pursuing his or her research agenda, to a more coherent and strategic group following agreed innovative programmes of work requires considerable, long-term dedicated effort.The investment in the IMRC by EPSRC and the University is substantial and the opportunities it affords are major: for the university, the 'customer' organisations and for EPSRC. To help ensure that we deliver on this opportunity to its fullest potential, we propose the creation of a full-time Research Manager post dedicated to the implementation of the vision for the IMRC." . . "2004-10-01" . "2006-09-30" . "No" . . "168638.33"^^ . "EP/C515420/1" . "Announced" . . "Additional Management Support for Warwick IMRC" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2005-10-10" . "2008-10-09" . "No" . . "151920.3264"^^ . "EP/C515560/1" . "Announced" . . "Development, optimisation and structural characterisation of bioactive phosphate-based glassy materials synthesised by sol gel methods" . . . . . . "Tissues in our body are prone to damage due to age, accident or illness. Replacing such damaged tissue is essential for movement of that particular body part and sometimes even for the survival of the patient concerned, for example in heart valve replacement. Hence, the area of science involved in replacing damaged tissue is very important to us. It is not always easy to find a good and reliable replacement for damaged tissue. Artificial substitutes for living tissue are not always ideal and more than often create problems like loss of shape and strength. In the past severe problems have been faced with permanent replacement of damaged tissue with artificial material. A new area of science called tissue engineering has evolved in the recent years. In this area, scientists use material that gradually degrades in the body to make supports called scaffolds. These scaffolds are implanted with natural cells which are then allowed to grow into the scaffold. This scaffold is then used to replace the damaged tissue. Gradually the cells implanted on the scaffold grow and form new tissue. In the same time period the supporting scaffold is degraded, leaving behind new tissue. However, finding suitable material for making such scaffolds is difficult. Our body reacts against most artificially made material. Hence, material which is accepted by the body, degrades at a reasonable rate and is able to support natural cell growth is quite a rare commodity. In this project we propose to generate novel material with such properties to make scaffolds for a variety of different tissue replacement applications i.e. for both soft and hard tissue replacements. Some examples of the range of applications include vein valves, heart valves, eye cell implants and bone grafts and cartilage repair to name just a few.\rIn our laboratory we have bacteria that are capable of making large quantities of unique polymers which can be used to make such scaffolds. These polymers are accepted readily by the human body and they gradually degrade away in the body. Another extremely useful property of these bacteria is that they can be made to produce a variety of such polymers. This is brought about by changing the growth conditions of the bacteria, depending on the broth in which the bacteria is allowed to grow, the bacteria produce a range of different polymers. These polymers have different material properties and degradation rates in the human body. This fact has been reasonably exploited and some such polymers are being used to generate scaffo" . "Tissues in our body are prone to damage due to age, accident or illness. Replacing such damaged tissue is essential for movement of that particular body part and sometimes even for the survival of the patient concerned, for example in heart valve replacement. Hence, the area of science involved in replacing damaged tissue is very important to us. It is not always easy to find a good and reliable replacement for damaged tissue. Artificial substitutes for living tissue are not always ideal and more than often create problems like loss of shape and strength. In the past severe problems have been faced with permanent replacement of damaged tissue with artificial material. A new area of science called tissue engineering has evolved in the recent years. In this area, scientists use material that gradually degrades in the body to make supports called scaffolds. These scaffolds are implanted with natural cells which are then allowed to grow into the scaffold. This scaffold is then used to replace the damaged tissue. Gradually the cells implanted on the scaffold grow and form new tissue. In the same time period the supporting scaffold is degraded, leaving behind new tissue. However, finding suitable material for making such scaffolds is difficult. Our body reacts" . . . "2005-03-21" . "2006-09-20" . "No" . . "100714.0092"^^ . "EP/C515617/1" . "Announced" . . "Novel PHA/Bioglass composites for soft-tissue and hard-tissue engineering scaffolds" . . . . . . "The proposal concerns the development of a range of novel photonic materials and waveguide fabrication processes. The work is focussed on several key areas of photonics technology: planar lightwave materials and devices, microstructured fibres (holey and photonic bandgap), micro-structured crystalline devices and materials, compound glass processing and fibres, and optical processing of materials. Particular promise for a range of active/tuneable waveguide components is shown by structures with high/low optical nonlinearity, quasi-phase-matched poled structures in 1- and 2- dimensions and composite/integrated microstructures made from different materials. The proposed research will result in a new generation of photonic devices of unprecedented performance and functionality with application in telecommunications, high-power lasers and beam delivery, industrial processing, laser projection and display, bio-sensing and bio-imaging." . . "2004-10-01" . "2011-03-31" . "Yes" . . "7179094.68"^^ . "EP/C515668/1" . "Announced" . . "Portfolio Partnership in Photonics" . . . . . . "In recent decades developments in the fields of materials science and nanotechnology have impacted almost every sector of the global economy. Detailed understanding of the complex inter-relationships between structure, properties and processing is essential to ensure that UK industry remains at the forefront in the development of such materials for technological applications. In order to attain improved properties, many of these materials are engineered to be inhomogeneous on an extremely fine scale. For this reason it is increasingly important to have as complete a description as possible of the influence of the chemistry, structure and bonding on a sub-nanometre level.\rThe applicants seek funding for an ultra-high performance nano-analytical transmission electron microscope (nTEM). This state-of-the-art instrument will be designed and optimised to support and enhance the extensive world-class nanotechnology research programmes at the London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN), an interdisciplinary research centre that combines nanotechnology expertise at both Imperial College London and University College London. The LCN research programmes cover the three thematic areas where we believe the UK must maintain a presence in order to remain globally competitive, namely information technology and communications, environmental science, and healthcare.\rThe majority of these research programmes share a common need for as complete a description as possible, ideally on the atomic scale, of the structure of interfaces, boundaries and defects. Such information may relate to chemical, biological, structural, electronic or magnetic properties. Some examples include, the influence of the chemistry and the particle size on the optoelectronic properties of quantum dots, the effect of engineered compositional inhomogeneities on the ionic conductivity in fuel cells, the relationship between calcium transport across interfaces and biomineralisation in osteoporosis, and the structure of defects being proposed as active elements in new electronic and optical devices. It is certain that without such information the complexities and subtleties of the structure-property relationships in nanostructured and nanoengineered materials will remain poorly understood." . "In recent decades developments in the fields of materials science and nanotechnology have impacted almost every sector of the global economy. Detailed understanding of the complex inter-relationships between structure, properties and processing is essential to ensure that UK industry remains at the forefront in the development of such materials for technological applications. In order to attain improved properties, many of these materials are engineered to be inhomogeneous on an extremely fine scale. For this reason it is increasingly important to have as complete a description as possible of the influence of the chemistry, structure and bonding on a sub-nanometre level.\rThe applicants seek funding for an ultra-high performance nano-analytical transmission electron microscope (nTEM). This state-of-the-art instrument will be designed and optimised to support and enhance the extensive world-class nanotechnology research programmes at the London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN), an interdisciplinary research centre that combines nanotechnology expertise at both Imperial College London and University College London. The LCN research programmes cover the three thematic areas where we believe the UK must maintain a presence in order to remain globally competiti" . . "2005-07-22" . "2010-01-21" . "Yes" . . "2398436.345"^^ . "EP/C51596X/1" . "Announced" . . "Nano-Analytical Transmission Electron Microscope" . . . . . . "Tissue engineering is to grow human tissue in the lab to replace the damaged or diseased tissue. These required tissues must have a certain size to match the body needs, but it is difficult to grow bulky tissues. The main reason is that nobody can grow the blood capillary network within the tissue in a controlled manner. We proposed to introduce artificial capillaries (so called hollow fibre membranes) to mimic blood circulation network. In this way the cells inside will be able to get nutrients and waste be removed. The idea is good, and we have applied for a patent. But nobody has the suitable capillaries and nobody knows what is the best way to design such devices. This planned study is to go to North America to visit several world familous centres to learn how to select the capillary materials,how to make these tubes and how to design such devices." . . "2004-10-01" . "2004-12-31" . "No" . . "9800"^^ . "EP/C516567/1" . "Announced" . . "Overseas Travel Grant: Hollow Fibre Membrane Bioreactors - Materials & Design Principles" . . . . . . "Most everyday materials will become thinner when stretched: for example, consider stretching an elastic band - you would picture the strip of rubber becoming narrower. Some, less common, materials behave rather differently, and when stretched actually become fatter: these materials are described as being auxetic. This is not just a scientific curiosity as auxetic materials have many technological applications in areas ranging from toughened engineering materials to nanotechnology (for example, an auxetic solid might act as a tuneable sieve on a molecular scale, because the network could expand to produce an open structure). Auxetic materials may be described as having 'negative behaviour': behaviour which is counterintuitive. A second type of negative behaviour is 'negative thermal expansion'. Here a material shrinks when it is heated, rather than expanding, as might be expected. As with auxetic behaviour, negative thermal expansion has many technological applications, for example, in making composite materials that show no expansion when heated. It is believed that the same fundamental processes can be responsible for these two negative behaviours. This, however, has not yet been proved, and in order to do so, experimental measurements must be made that" . "Most everyday materials will become thinner when stretched: for example, consider stretching an elastic band - you would picture the strip of rubber becoming narrower. Some, less common, materials behave rather differently, and when stretched actually become fatter: these materials are described as being auxetic. This is not just a scientific curiosity as auxetic materials have many technological applications in areas ranging from toughened engineering materials to nanotechnology (for example, an auxetic solid might act as a tuneable sieve on a molecular scale, because the network could expand to produce an open structure). Auxetic materials may be described as having 'negative behaviour': behaviour which is counterintuitive. A second type of negative behaviour is 'negative thermal expansion'. Here a material shrinks when it is heated, rather than expanding, as might be expected. As with auxetic behaviour, negative thermal expansion has many technological applications, for example, in making composite materials that show no expansion when heated. It is believed that the same fundamental processes can be responsible for these two negative behaviours. This, however, has not yet been proved, and in order to do so, experimental measurements must be made that probe both the structure of matter on an atomic scale, and the properties of large specimens, to relate the bulk properties of materials to atomic structure.\r\rOur proposal is to make these experimental measurements for the first time. We will focus upon one family of materials: the open-network silicates. These materials have been predicted by computer simulations to be auxetic, but this prediction has never been verified, although some also are known already to have negative thermal expansion properties. The silicates are commonly found as minerals in the Earth's crust, but in the laboratory we are able to make large crystals of the materials in a pure state; this is something that in the past has been difficult to do, but we have recently developed reliable methods to do so. The large crystals will be subjected to mechanical tests - literally stretching the specimens along different directions will allow us to measure their elastic properties and determine whether the proposed negative behaviour exists. Since we can study a large number of specimens with differing chemical compositions, we will be able to relate the chemistry of the material to the elastic properties, and then determine relationships between the of chemical composition of sample (that" . . "2005-11-14" . "2006-08-31" . "No" . . "324393.036"^^ . "EP/C516591/1" . "Announced" . . "Inorganic Network Structures Exhibiting Unusual Negative Behaviours" . . . . . . "Most everyday materials will become thinner when stretched: for example, consider stretching an elastic band - you would picture the strip of rubber becoming narrower. Some, less common, materials behave rather differently, and when stretched actually become fatter: these materials are described as being auxetic. This is not just a scientific curiosity as auxetic materials have many technological applications in areas ranging from toughened engineering materials to nanotechnology (for example, an auxetic solid might act as a tuneable sieve on a molecular scale, because the network could expand to produce an open structure). Auxetic materials may be described as having 'negative behaviour': behaviour which is counterintuitive. A second type of negative behaviour is 'negative thermal expansion'. Here a material shrinks when it is heated, rather than expanding, as might be expected. As with auxetic behaviour, negative thermal expansion has many technological applications, for example, in making composite materials that show no expansion when heated. It is believed that the same fundamental processes can be responsible for these two negative behaviours. This, however, has not yet been proved, and in order to do so, experimental measurements must be made that" . "Most everyday materials will become thinner when stretched: for example, consider stretching an elastic band - you would picture the strip of rubber becoming narrower. Some, less common, materials behave rather differently, and when stretched actually become fatter: these materials are described as being auxetic. This is not just a scientific curiosity as auxetic materials have many technological applications in areas ranging from toughened engineering materials to nanotechnology (for example, an auxetic solid might act as a tuneable sieve on a molecular scale, because the network could expand to produce an open structure). Auxetic materials may be described as having 'negative behaviour': behaviour which is counterintuitive. A second type of negative behaviour is 'negative thermal expansion'. Here a material shrinks when it is heated, rather than expanding, as might be expected. As with auxetic behaviour, negative thermal expansion has many technological applications, for example, in making composite materials that show no expansion when heated. It is believed that the same fundamental processes can be responsible for these two negative behaviours. This, however, has not yet been proved, and in order to do so, experimental measurements must be made that probe both the structure of matter on an atomic scale, and the properties of large specimens, to relate the bulk properties of materials to atomic structure.\r\rOur proposal is to make these experimental measurements for the first time. We will focus upon one family of materials: the open-network silicates. These materials have been predicted by computer simulations to be auxetic, but this prediction has never been verified, although some also are known already to have negative thermal expansion properties. The silicates are commonly found as minerals in the Earth's crust, but in the laboratory we are able to make large crystals of the materials in a pure state; this is something that in the past has been difficult to do, but we have recently developed reliable methods to do so. The large crystals will be subjected to mechanical tests - literally stretching the specimens along different directions will allow us to measure their elastic properties and determine whether the proposed negative behaviour exists. Since we can study a large number of specimens with differing chemical compositions, we will be able to relate the chemistry of the material to the elastic properties, and then determine relationships between the of chemical composition of sample (that" . . "2006-09-01" . "2009-10-31" . "Yes" . . "283149.332"^^ . "EP/C516591/2" . "Announced" . . "Inorganic Network Structures Exhibiting Unusual Negative Behaviours" . . . . . . "This proposal builds on our world-leading research in the area of nano-defect engineering for enhancing properties of superconductor and other functional materials. Our main focus will be on developing the methods we have, so far, demonstrated for enhancing the current carrying performance of practical conductors in magnetic fields, as well as exploring new and exciting ideas which we have in this area. This will constitute around 2/3 of the proposed research. With a view to controlling nano-scale second-phase sizes and distributions in functional composites, we will also undertake basic materials science studies of nano-composites, investigating effects such as elastic strain and influence of the substrate on which films are to be grown. Finally, we will demonstrate one or two novel functional nano-composites, with the aim of showing that improved or new properties can be obtained by interfacing two functional materials on a very fine scale. The work will be enhanced by our formal collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory, where we have access to world-leading facilities and expertise" . . "2005-09-29" . "2009-03-28" . "No" . . "201347.7204"^^ . "EP/C517776/1" . "Announced" . . "Novel Materials Nano-Engineering for Enhanced Performance of Superconductor Coated Conductors and Functional Oxides" . . . . . . "Corneal blindness due to trauma and ulceration are believed to be responsible for nearly 2 million new cases of blindness every year. The amniotic membrane (AM) is an established method for replacing or repairing such damaged eye tissue. It protects the eye from infection and reduces inflammation whilst stimulating repair of the wound bed. Although clinical results are encouraging, the clinical outcome is variable and therefore permanent visual impairment, if not blindness, could occur in those patients where this treatment fails. The unpredictable nature of this treatment is thought to be due to donor variation and the different methods of preparing and storing the AM for clinical use. There is therefore a great clinical need to improve this treatment by generating a synthetic alternative that will provide a reliable and consistent wound healing response. We propose to develop a novel biodegradable hydrogel (similar to that used for soft contact lenses) that will promote cell adhesion and migration, will contain naturally occurring antibiotics to prevent infection, and growth factors that will stimulate new tissue formation. This bench-to-clinic research proposal combines the expertise of clinicians, biologists and materials scientists to develop a novel" . "Corneal blindness due to trauma and ulceration are believed to be responsible for nearly 2 million new cases of blindness every year. The amniotic membrane (AM) is an established method for replacing or repairing such damaged eye tissue. It protects the eye from infection and reduces inflammation whilst stimulating repair of the wound bed. Although clinical results are encouraging, the clinical outcome is variable and therefore permanent visual impairment, if not blindness, could occur in those patients where this treatment fails. The unpredictable nature of this treatment is thought to be due to donor variation and the different methods of preparing and storing the AM for clinical use. There is therefore a great clinical need to improve this treatment by generating a synthetic alternative that will provide a reliable and consistent wound healing response. We propose to develop a novel biodegradable hydrogel (similar to that used for soft contact lenses) that will promote cell adhesion and migration, will contain naturally occurring antibiotics to prevent infection, and growth factors that will stimulate new tissue formation. This bench-to-clinic research proposal combines the expertise of clinicians, biologists and materials scientists to develop a novel treatment for corneal repair. The clinical reliability of such a biosynthetic corneal bandage will no doubt make a significant clinical impact with a direct benefit to the patient." . . "2005-10-01" . "2007-12-31" . "No" . . "125369.9476"^^ . "EP/C51789X/1" . "Announced" . . "A Novel Biosynthetic Bandage for Corneal Wound Repair" . . . . . . "Nanotechnology has been identified world-wide as a crucial area for the advancement of scientific understanding with a clear route to improving quality. of life and creating wealth. However, the deformation behaviour of small volumes of material is not well understood, in particular the effect of the measured hardness increasing as the size of the indentation (and hence of the volume of materials deformed) decreases. Our interdisciplinary approach to this problem is unique internationally and uses techniques and concepts developed in semiconductor technology to solve fundamental problems in materials science and metallurgy.\rThe key aims are to unify the very different theories that are used to explain the mechanical strength of nanostructures in different contexts. Critical thickness theory is highly developed as a way to understand the strained layers used in semiconductor technology. Strain gradient theory has been developed to explain the size effect in which small stressed volumes appear to be stronger. The work at QMUL has introduced two new concepts. The first is that the initiation of plasticity starts throughout a finite minimum volume. The second is that there is a minimum rate of relief of elastic strain energy required to initiate plasticity. These four ideas are undoubtedly different expressions of a single underlying principle, and our central aim in this proposal is to identify that principle through experiment and theoretical development.\rAt Queen Mary, we will design structures to be grown at the Central Facility in Sheffield. We will carry out mechanical tests - nanoindentation, bending, at room temperature and high temperature - and we will use the results to guide theory. Through collaborators at Cambridge, we have access to unique facilities for looking at, for example, the material under a one-micron indent. Through collaborators in industry, we have access to the latest Xray techniques, for analysing, for example, the strains in a bent beam specimen.\rThe total cost of the programme will be about 600000. This is worthwhile and timely since Nanoscale applications need to be underpinned by fundamental research in materials, where EPSRC observe that there are rich new areas for uncovering novel materials behaviour. This proposal falls under the themes of Nanostructured materials, and Materials phenomena and properties, in EPSRC's research priorities." . "Nanotechnology has been identified world-wide as a crucial area for the advancement of scientific understanding with a clear route to improving quality. of life and creating wealth. However, the deformation behaviour of small volumes of material is not well understood, in particular the effect of the measured hardness increasing as the size of the indentation (and hence of the volume of materials deformed) decreases. Our interdisciplinary approach to this problem is unique internationally and uses techniques and concepts developed in semiconductor technology to solve fundamental problems in materials science and metallurgy.\rThe key aims are to unify the very different theories that are used to explain the mechanical strength of nanostructures in different contexts. Critical thickness theory is highly developed as a way to understand the strained layers used in semiconductor technology. Strain gradient theory has been developed to explain the size effect in which small stressed volumes appear to be stronger. The work at QMUL has introduced two new concepts. The first is that the initiation of plasticity starts throughout a finite minimum volume. The second is that there is a minimum rate of relief of elastic strain energy required to initiate plasticity." . . . "2005-03-01" . "2010-02-28" . "Yes" . . "656429.418"^^ . "EP/C518004/1" . "Announced" . . "Deformation of Nanostructures and Small Volumes" . . . . . . "When you practice playing tennis you become better at it, because new nerve connections have been made within your brain and spinal cord. Not only do you need to practice, but you also need feedback of your performance so that you can correct your movement. In this research we are using this idea to teach people who have had a stroke how to learn new skills.\rA Stroke is usually caused when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. It acts like a dam stopping the blood reaching the brain downstream. As a result some of the connecting nerve fibres die and the person becomes partially paralysis on one side of the body, this is called hemiplegia. These fibres cannot re-grow, but the brain has plenty spare capacity So new connections can be made. In fact the brain is continually and rapidly changing as we learn new skills; new connections are formed, redundant ones disappear. When people re-learn skills after a stroke they go through the same process as you do when you learn to play tennis. But they have a problem because they can hardly move at all so they cannot practice which means they don't get feedback.\rMuscles can be made to work by Electrical Stimulation. Electrical impulses travel along the nerves in much the same way as the electrical impulses from your brain. If stimulation is carefully controlled, a useful movement can be made. This works better if the person is attempting the movement themselves; we therefore need to combine a person's own effort with just enough extra electrical stimulation to achieve the movement. This is what we will do in this project by adjusting the level of stimulation in response to the person's movement.\rTo teach people who have had a stroke how to move their arm we will ask them to track a spot of light by moving a vertical rod over a flat board, like moving a chess piece. As they move we stimulate their muscles. If they track the target well, then on the next attempt we turn the stimulation down if not we increase it. To get the level and the timing of the stimulation right we measure the difference between the direction of the movement of the arm and the movement of the spot of light. We then adjust the stimulation in a way that we think will reduce the difference, ideally we want them to follow the same path exactly. After the person has had another go at following the spot of light we measure the difference again and make the adjustment again. In fact each time we make an adjustment to the stimulation we measure the effect so that we can continually improve" . "When you practice playing tennis you become better at it, because new nerve connections have been made within your brain and spinal cord. Not only do you need to practice, but you also need feedback of your performance so that you can correct your movement. In this research we are using this idea to teach people who have had a stroke how to learn new skills.\rA Stroke is usually caused when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. It acts like a dam stopping the blood reaching the brain downstream. As a result some of the connecting nerve fibres die and the person becomes partially paralysis on one side of the body, this is called hemiplegia. These fibres cannot re-grow, but the brain has plenty spare capacity So new connections can be made. In fact the brain is continually and rapidly changing as we learn new skills; new connections are formed, redundant ones disappear. When people re-learn skills after a stroke they go through the same process as you do when you learn to play tennis. But they have a problem because they can hardly move at all so they cannot practice which means they don't get feedback.\rMuscles can be made to work by Electrical Stimulation. Electrical impulses travel along the nerves in much the same way as the electrical impuls" . . "2005-04-01" . "2008-09-30" . "No" . . "379946.2"^^ . "EP/C51873X/1" . "Announced" . . "Iterative Learning Control For Re-Education Of Upper Limb Function Mediated By Functional Electrical Stimulation" . . . . . . "We propose a tri-partite collaborative research programme that combines the leading expertise of the materials (MG), engineering (EG) and physical (surface) sciences (PG) groups at three universities in UK.\rThe proposal aims to make significant advances in the improvement of the surface biocompatibility of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) stent grafts. Current designs of such stent graft are simply a combination of a traditional expandable stent made of metallic mesh wires and a flexible graft, either made of fabric (Dacron) or textile ePTFE (Teflon). The packaging of the stent grafts is achieved by folding the metallic mesh structure. The graft, which is stitched or bonded to the metallic wire frame, is considered to be flexible enough so that it can be neatly folded in between wires once the stent graft is compressed, with the expectation that the expansion of the stent would automatically deploy the cover into the desired shape. This often results in an inherent incompatibility between the stent and graft leading to clinical complications: uneven distribution of stresses causing shortened fatigue life of the materials, and rupture or entanglement occur during expansion of a stent graft. Meanwhile, both Dacron and Teflon are extremely thrombogenic and inelastic unlike natural arterial tissue. These are causative factors in the failure of the fabric graft as these are thin and may degrade with time leading to failure of the device.\rHerein we propose to solve these problems in three ways. Firstly we will adopt a novel packaging technique to fold the entire stent graft (rather than only a metallic frame) into a small and uniform diameter in order to avoid geometric incompatibility. The folding is achieved by generating a set of folds onto the surface of a graft using origami based techniques. Secondly we will make the graft from an elastic non-thrombogenic ceramic based polymer. And thirdly we will apply recently developed spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and neutron reflection (NR) spectroscopic analysis methods to determine how durable these material are in vitro. Successful delivery of the programme will lead to the development of a stent graft that has significant advantages over existing devices including: geometric simplicity and compatibility between the graft and the frame, and hence a more reliable expansion mechanism; higher radial strength and provide the ability to shape the structure of both the stent itself and that of the graft in order to anchor the device in the artery, and better bio-comp" . "We propose a tri-partite collaborative research programme that combines the leading expertise of the materials (MG), engineering (EG) and physical (surface) sciences (PG) groups at three universities in UK.\rThe proposal aims to make significant advances in the improvement of the surface biocompatibility of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) stent grafts. Current designs of such stent graft are simply a combination of a traditional expandable stent made of metallic mesh wires and a flexible graft, either made of fabric (Dacron) or textile ePTFE (Teflon). The packaging of the stent grafts is achieved by folding the metallic mesh structure. The graft, which is stitched or bonded to the metallic wire frame, is considered to be flexible enough so that it can be neatly folded in between wires once the stent graft is compressed, with the expectation that the expansion of the stent would automatically deploy the cover into the desired shape. This often results in an inherent incompatibility between the stent and graft leading to clinical complications: uneven distribution of stresses causing shortened fatigue life of the materials, and rupture or entanglement occur during expansion of a stent graft. Meanwhile, both Dacron and Teflon are extremely thrombogenic and i" . . "2004-12-01" . "2006-05-31" . "No" . . "45104.9692"^^ . "EP/C519353/1" . "Announced" . . "Surface biocompatibility of a new ORIGAMI based AAA stent integrated with a ceramic urethane graft" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2005-02-10" . "2006-08-09" . "No" . . "15756.36"^^ . "EP/C519361/1" . "Announced" . . "Surface biocompatibility of a new ORIGAMI based AAA stent integrated with a ceramic urethane graft" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2005-01-10" . "2006-07-09" . "No" . . "40425.9692"^^ . "EP/C51937X/1" . "Announced" . . "Surface biocompatibility of a new ORIGAMI based AAA stent integrated with a ceramic urethane graft" . . . . . . "The potential beneficiaries of the research are wide ranging and include companies interested in the use of RF tags and other low power devices that operate in an environment where they could tap into a changing magnetic field in order to generate electrical power. Other companies, such as those interested in magnetic information storage, could be interested in the materials as a means for detecting the stored information on a magnetic disk. The MoD is likely to be interested in the materials for possible sensors of the buried munitions, submarines etc. Depending on the sensitivity that is ultimately achieved, the materials could find their way into low cost alternatives to SQUIDs for medical sensing. The aim to make the materials fully integrated onto silicon will give this technology a wide potential user base." . . "2004-10-01" . "2006-03-31" . "No" . . "103001.9224"^^ . "EP/C519426/1" . "Announced" . . "Magnetoelectric Materials and Devices" . . . . . . "The advent of silicon-based micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) has developed out of processes developed for manufacturing essentially two-dimensional (2D) integrated circuits. In order to extend MEM technologies to 3D applications such as microfuidic valves, inkjet nozzles, projector micro-mirrors and others applications, high aspect ratio patterning techniques were developed such as LIGA and X-ray photoresist processing. With these techniques MEM structures of 100's micrometers thickness can be produced. To extend this further alternative methods are required, particularly if full 3D structures in materials other than silicon are to be designed and manufactured. This proposal addresses the lack of manufacturing routes for full 3D on chip MEMS structures by fusing existing research in 4 distinct areas namely silicon based functional material fabrication, the manufacture of 3D micro components by Selective Laser Melting (SLM) the production of metallic constructs from multi-material powders and the production of micro electronic devices." . . "2005-03-01" . "2006-08-31" . "No" . . "99850.9396"^^ . "EP/C519795/1" . "Announced" . . "Selective Laser Melting of high aspect ration 3D Microelectromechanical (MEM) Devices and Components - An Engineering of Functional Materials Proposal" . . . . . . "Replacing damaged, diseased or missing tissues in the human body has developed from originally implanting artificial materials to more recently trying to engineering tissues outside the body before implantation. This engineering relies on making a 3D structure onto which living cells are seeded and allowed to grow outside the body in a laboratory. The intention of using this approach is to improve healing time and the way in which the the structure functions in the body. We are seeking to improve on this using a new technique to print living cells both in and onto a material called alginate in an arrangement that more closely resembles the way different cells are found in the body. The printing of cells and the structure will be carried out in a similar manner to an inkjet printer commonly used for printing documents from computers. The alginate being used sets in the presence of calcium which we will introduce to the system in very small bubbles (invisible to the eye and called liposomes)) that can be broken open using light causing release of their contained calcium and therefore the alginate immediately around the liposomes to se:The advantage of this method used to se: the alginate is that it does not harm the cells which are extremely sensitive and can be killed by changes in temperatures and many chemicals commonly used in setting reactions for materials The alginate that we will make the structures from has already been used for several applications like dressings for wounds and can be naturally removed by cells in the body and, se in the end the implant should be completely replaced by the implanted cells and the cells in the body. Previous researchers have shown that putting cells in different 3D positions changes the way they function, so we believe our way of making an implantable structure should improve the function of the cells and therefore tine speed with which the implant heals and allows the patient to regain full health. Our study is designed to test whether the alginate with cells in and on it represents an improvement compared with other methods used at present and whether we can adapt inkjet printer type machines to make the 3D structures." . "Replacing damaged, diseased or missing tissues in the human body has developed from originally implanting artificial materials to more recently trying to engineering tissues outside the body before implantation. This engineering relies on making a 3D structure onto which living cells are seeded and allowed to grow outside the body in a laboratory. The intention of using this approach is to improve healing time and the way in which the the structure functions in the body. We are seeking to improve on this using a new technique to print living cells both in and onto a material called alginate in an arrangement that more closely resembles the way different cells are found in the body. The printing of cells and the structure will be carried out in a similar manner to an inkjet printer commonly used for printing documents from computers. The alginate being used sets in the presence of calcium which we will introduce to the system in very small bubbles (invisible to the eye and called liposomes)) that can be broken open using light causing release of their contained calcium and therefore the alginate immediately around the liposomes to se:The advantage of this method used to se: the alginate is that it does not harm the cells which are extremely sensitive and c" . . "2005-01-10" . "2006-07-09" . "No" . . "75190.0684"^^ . "EP/C519868/1" . "Announced" . . "Light activated liposome crosslinking of alginate for rapid prototyping tissue engineering constructs containing cells" . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2005-01-10" . "2006-07-09" . "No" . . "26959.3392"^^ . "EP/C519876/1" . "Announced" . . "Light activated liposome crosslinking of alginate for rapid prototyping tissue engineering constructs containing cells" . . . . . . "Initial reports indicate that carbon nanotubes and nanofibres can interact favourably with cells, promoting desirable cell adhesion whilst suppressing scar formation. The combination of these effects with the remarkable intrinsic properties (e.g. high mechanical strength and electrical conductivity) of carbon nanotubes, creates promising opportunities for the use of nanotube/nanofibre nanocomposites as tissue scaffolds and biomedical implants. The proposed project will explore the fundamental interactions of osteoblast cells with pure and composite nanotube/nanofibre films, as well as the fabrication of prototype nanocomposite tissue scaffolds. Confirmation of enhanced cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation within such reinforced structures would support the development of major new research efforts, and would promise significant clinical benefits." . . . "2004-11-06" . "2006-05-05" . "No" . . "101641.0492"^^ . "EP/C519949/1" . "Announced" . . "Bone Tissue Scaffolds Reinforced and Activated with Carbon Nanotubes" . . . . . . "Functional ceramic materials exhibit a wide range of effects that can be exploited individually in numerous engineering applications as sensors or actuators, or in combination to give an intelligent or smart response to received stimuli. The availability of the functional or active component in various shapes, sizes and physical forms (bulk, film or fibre) has a great impact on how the materials can de incorporated into devices and the realisation of efficient designs, and on the ultimate performance of the final device, and there has been particular interest in exploiting composite designs requiring functional fibres. By far the most work on functional fibres has been carried out on the development of piezoelectric fibres, predominately based on lead zironate titanate (PZT) compositions, for incorporation into active fibre composites (AFCs) which are of interest for a range of important applications including vibration and noise suppression, energy harvesting, high strain actuators, structural health monitoring and in improved sports equipment. The fibres can also be utilised in more conventional piezoelectric composites for application as ultrasonic transducers in non-destructive testing (NDT) and medical imaging. However, the performance of such device" . "Functional ceramic materials exhibit a wide range of effects that can be exploited individually in numerous engineering applications as sensors or actuators, or in combination to give an intelligent or smart response to received stimuli. The availability of the functional or active component in various shapes, sizes and physical forms (bulk, film or fibre) has a great impact on how the materials can de incorporated into devices and the realisation of efficient designs, and on the ultimate performance of the final device, and there has been particular interest in exploiting composite designs requiring functional fibres. By far the most work on functional fibres has been carried out on the development of piezoelectric fibres, predominately based on lead zironate titanate (PZT) compositions, for incorporation into active fibre composites (AFCs) which are of interest for a range of important applications including vibration and noise suppression, energy harvesting, high strain actuators, structural health monitoring and in improved sports equipment. The fibres can also be utilised in more conventional piezoelectric composites for application as ultrasonic transducers in non-destructive testing (NDT) and medical imaging. However, the performance of such devices is compromised by the quality and properties of fibres that are currently available. Recent work by the proposers has demonstrated that viscous plastic processing (VPP), utilising the extrusion of homogeneous and deagglomerated powder/binder/solvent pastes, offers the ability to produce fibres at a range of diameters for the manufacture of piezoelectric fibre for active fibre composites. Using characterisation techniques developed by our collaborators at the University of Bath and NPL, the fibre properties of PZT-5A fibres have been fully characterised, showing that the VPP fibres have superior functional, structural and morphological properties compared to any other commercially available fibres.\rWe propose in this project to further develop innovative fabrication technologies for the manufacture of high performance functional ceramic fibres and novel flexible fibre composites with improved properties for smart structure applications. A key part of the research will be the development of a microwave sintering route enabling production of the continuous or semi-continuous lengths of fibre demanded by the applications, rather than the short fibre legths fabricated so far. In this Exploratory project work will focus on piezoelectric materials, although i" . . "2005-02-01" . "2006-07-31" . "No" . . "100849.4292"^^ . "EP/C520025/1" . "Announced" . . "Novel fabrication Technologies for Functional Fibres and Composites" . . . . . . "Glass-ionomer dental cements are known to undergo complex interactions in the mouth that include the release of mineralising ions, buffering and interaction with saliva. They also appear to form an ion-enriched intercaial layer over time to enhance their bonding to the tooth. Materials that share some of the chemistry (resin-modified glass-ionomers and polyacid modified composite resins) show similar effects, though to lesser extents, whereas composite resins lack any such bioactivity. The present proposal aims to extend our understanding of the significance of these phenomena by examining in detail how various restorative materials interact with the tooth, and what changes they induce under clinical service conditions." . . . "2005-08-27" . "2007-02-26" . "No" . . "5488.19"^^ . "EP/C520459/1" . "Announced" . . "Bioactivity and bonding of glass-ionomer dental cements" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2005-05-01" . "2008-04-30" . "No" . . "221222.084"^^ . "EP/C520564/1" . "Announced" . . "Topological Engineering: A technology for the rational design and organisation of functional 3D templated nanomaterials " . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2005-07-01" . "2009-09-30" . "Yes" . . "721567.1202"^^ . "EP/C520572/1" . "Announced" . . "Topological Engineering: A technology for the rational design and organisation of functional 3D templated nanomaterials " . . . . . . "As advanced materials increasingly employ micro and nano-phase constituents to enhanced their properties and extend their application, there is an ever growing need to be able to characterise these materials on the relevant size scale. For example, polymer resins are routinely toughened with micro and more recently nanophase particles and fibres to create very high performance structural adhesives and composite matrices for a very wide range of new applications including many in the aerospace, automotive and biomedical areas. Also, developing completely new polymers by blending together existing ones is another area where important advances are being made, but in which there is a pressing need to understand why some polymers will mix and some will not. Progress in this area will rely on the ability to monitor how the polymer macromolecules crystallize during cooling from the blended melt. In addition, to be able to understand, and hence reduce the damage caused to surfaces by the process of friction, it is necessary to understand the underlying molecular and atomic processes that give rise to surface wear. Indeed, an entire class of speciality materials now exist to give surface protection or other surface functionality. Realising the full potential of these lubricants and films, and developing new ones, requires the ability to characterise and probe their surfaces with very high resolution equipment.\rMany of the most exciting and promising advances in the above areas of our proposed research are being made using an atomic force microscope. Our research has the following aims: (1) To investigate the detailed nano-structure of friction modifying additive films and the nature of boundary films formed by bio-molecules on various different surfaces. (2) To develop a simple technique for tracking the early stages of phase separation in polymer blends so that we may be able to predict which polymers will mix to form a blend. (3) In the area of structural adhesives, to investigate the important effects of various environmental factors on the resulting mechanical properties. (4) In the area of nano-composites, the characterise the structure of nano-particle modified polymers, investigate the effect of particle dispersion and orientation and to model the reinforcement and toughening. Also, to determine nano-particle and nanotube dimensions and aggregate sizes after the application of novel dispersion techniques. (5) In the area of biomedical materials, to develop and then model novel polymer scaffold material con" . "As advanced materials increasingly employ micro and nano-phase constituents to enhanced their properties and extend their application, there is an ever growing need to be able to characterise these materials on the relevant size scale. For example, polymer resins are routinely toughened with micro and more recently nanophase particles and fibres to create very high performance structural adhesives and composite matrices for a very wide range of new applications including many in the aerospace, automotive and biomedical areas. Also, developing completely new polymers by blending together existing ones is another area where important advances are being made, but in which there is a pressing need to understand why some polymers will mix and some will not. Progress in this area will rely on the ability to monitor how the polymer macromolecules crystallize during cooling from the blended melt. In addition, to be able to understand, and hence reduce the damage caused to surfaces by the process of friction, it is necessary to understand the underlying molecular and atomic processes that give rise to surface wear. Indeed, an entire class of speciality materials now exist to give surface protection or other surface functionality. Realising the full potential of th" . . . "2005-03-14" . "2008-03-13" . "No" . . "124590.7"^^ . "EP/C520629/1" . "Announced" . . "The Characterisation of Advanced Materials at the Nano-scale: Interactions, Deformations and Failure Mechanisms" . . . . . . "Microfluidics involves the study of flow-through devices having channels generally with at least one sub - millimetre dimension. A class of microfluidic devices are used for blood samples, for flow cytometry, cell manipulation or cell separation.\rThe proposed project aims to study the differential manipulation / separation of blood cells according size, shape and electric polarizability in microfluidic flow. Separation forces will be induced by applying an electric ! magnetic field to pressure driven flows of diluted suspensions of blood cells.\rNovel devices with microchannels containing coated walls as electrodes and arrays of insulated vertical / horizontal wires as magnetic inductors as well as hydraulic obstacles will be used. The electrodes will be vapour deposed metals, coated with organic (aminoacids) ceramic (titania) layers. Electric voltage application (DC or AC) will result in electrodes through a planar condenser effect, via sol-gel titania as dielectric. The wall coatings will also act as adhesion traps.\rDuring the actuation of movement cell suspensions, interaction with the electric and magnetic fields will determine a different response of erythrocytes vs various types of leucocytes. This will produce either a different cell adhesion" . "Microfluidics involves the study of flow-through devices having channels generally with at least one sub - millimetre dimension. A class of microfluidic devices are used for blood samples, for flow cytometry, cell manipulation or cell separation.\rThe proposed project aims to study the differential manipulation / separation of blood cells according size, shape and electric polarizability in microfluidic flow. Separation forces will be induced by applying an electric ! magnetic field to pressure driven flows of diluted suspensions of blood cells.\rNovel devices with microchannels containing coated walls as electrodes and arrays of insulated vertical / horizontal wires as magnetic inductors as well as hydraulic obstacles will be used. The electrodes will be vapour deposed metals, coated with organic (aminoacids) ceramic (titania) layers. Electric voltage application (DC or AC) will result in electrodes through a planar condenser effect, via sol-gel titania as dielectric. The wall coatings will also act as adhesion traps.\rDuring the actuation of movement cell suspensions, interaction with the electric and magnetic fields will determine a different response of erythrocytes vs various types of leucocytes. This will produce either a different cell adhesion location at the channels walls, or a different relative position at the exit stream, which will be further studied and modelled." . . "2005-05-17" . "2006-05-16" . "No" . . "8055.82"^^ . "EP/C520645/1" . "Announced" . . "Microfluidics with Electrode Integration for Blood Cells Dynamic Studies" . . . . . . "Defects in articular cartilage can result in significant patient morbidity with initial clinical symptoms such as pain and joint dysfunction that can lead to the early onset of osteoarthritis, one of the most common of chronic diseases inflicting the adult population. There is a real clinical need for new treatment therapies for articular cartilage defects that allow for integration of new functional cartilage with the subchondral bone. This project aims to develop a novel approach to engineer large viable osteo-chondral (bone-cartilage) composites in vitro using principles of tissue engineering (TE). Periosteal tissue is a rich source of growth factors and stem cells for both bone and cartilage cells. In this project whole periosteal explants will be associated to 3-dimensional osteoconductive scaffolds. The periosteum itself will serve as a template for directional evolution of cartilage tissue above the scaffold whilst allowing periosteal cells that have infiltrated into the osteoconductive scaffold to form bone. The project will involve the investigation of the material and bioactive properties of suitable osteoconductive scaffolds, and detailed assessment of the functional nature" . . "2005-09-01" . "2007-08-31" . "No" . . "125250.7518"^^ . "EP/C520742/1" . "Announced" . . "Functional Tissue Engineering of Osteo-Chondral Composites" . . . . . . "Gels are an important part of modern life - with many varied applications, including in food stuffs (e.g. jelly) and cosmetic products (e.g. hair gel). Gelphase materials are intermediate in character between solids and liquids, and are often referred to as 'soft materials'. This is a consequence of the structure of a gel - which consists of a 'solid-like' rigid network of molecules which can immobilise a large volume of 'liquid-like' solvent. Almost all commercial gels are based on polymers, as these large molecules are capable of forming networks relatively simply. However, recently, there has been explosive interest in the development of gels based on the assembly of small molecules into networks. The idea is that well-designed molecules can interact with one another in such a way that thousands of them come together to form long (nanoscale) fibres, that can then bundle together and eventually form a network capable of immobilising a solvent. However, because these materials are built using weak (non-covalent) interactions which connect small molecules they are reversible and highly controllable. This is because it is easy to break and re-make weak non-covalent interactions - whereas this is not the case with the covalent bonds that make-up traditional polymers.\rWe have been developing gel-phase materials for the past three years, with funding from the Leverhulme Trust, and have so far published eight papers describing our findings in this field. This proposal aims to continue our research into gels when our current funding runs out - and in particular to develop new controllable, switchable biocompatible materials and to apply the chemistry we are developing in the exciting new area of nanochemistry. We aim to develop and understand gels which are biocompatible and responsive to temperature, light or other chemicals. Such systems have applications in the controlled release of drugs and agrochemicals, as the active ingredient can be trapped within the gel, and then by applying the stimulus, the gel network breaks down and releases the active ingredient in a controlled way. We also intend to develop a deeper understanding of the way in which individual molecules assemble to from gels - this is important as it allows us to control the way in which small molecules can be made to interact and form nanostructures. This process is referred to as 'bottom-up fabrication' and is an important part of nanotechnology (controlling matter on the nanometre scale). It is widely believed that the next generation of sm" . "Gels are an important part of modern life - with many varied applications, including in food stuffs (e.g. jelly) and cosmetic products (e.g. hair gel). Gelphase materials are intermediate in character between solids and liquids, and are often referred to as 'soft materials'. This is a consequence of the structure of a gel - which consists of a 'solid-like' rigid network of molecules which can immobilise a large volume of 'liquid-like' solvent. Almost all commercial gels are based on polymers, as these large molecules are capable of forming networks relatively simply. However, recently, there has been explosive interest in the development of gels based on the assembly of small molecules into networks. The idea is that well-designed molecules can interact with one another in such a way that thousands of them come together to form long (nanoscale) fibres, that can then bundle together and eventually form a network capable of immobilising a solvent. However, because these materials are built using weak (non-covalent) interactions which connect small molecules they are reversible and highly controllable. This is because it is easy to break and re-make weak non-covalent interactions - whereas this is not the case with the covalent bonds that make-up traditional" . . "2005-03-01" . "2008-09-30" . "No" . . "281291.96"^^ . "EP/C520750/1" . "Announced" . . "Diverse Controllable Biocompatible Gels - New Nanonstructured Architectures" . . . . . . "Many new functional materials targeted for specific applications have multiple components or critical doping levels within a complicated phase diagram. Although both traditional (iterative) exploration and more recent (combinatorial) methods are effective for discovering new materials, combinatorial materials synthesis and high throughput analysis can lead to discovery and optimisation of a desired materials property in the shortest possible time.\rThe aim of all inorganic combinatorial deposition techniques is to produce a variation of properties on a single substrate; however, thin film combinatorial methods are dependent on the availability of high throughput analysis techniques. In the study of inorganic systems these largely do not exist. The eventual goal of this programme is the development of radically new techniques for characterisation and performance evaluation which will enable the use of high throughput methods in a research area in which high throughput techniques are not routinely applied." . . . "2005-03-01" . "2005-05-31" . "No" . . "14006.82"^^ . "EP/C52294X/1" . "Announced" . . "Combinatorial thin film studies and materials discovery: Stage 1" . . . . . . "The repair of damage to parts of the body caused by disease or injury using man-made devices is almost routine. The most obvious examples of this are artificial hip replacements for patients suffering from arthritis or broken hip joints, and pacemakers for patients with heart disease. Each of these examples is in itself relatively simple in function, but the response of the body to having foreign objects made of metals and plastics implanted is often very complicated and may prevent the implant from doing the job it was intended to do. In this proposal, a new team of researchers has come together, to solve the problem of using artificial devices (prosthetics) to repair the nervous system. We will focus to begin with on repair of the peripheral nervous system, which carries electrical impulses from the brain to control muscles activity via motor neurons and from cells which respond to pain, touch etc back to the brain via sensory neurons. In order to create prosthetics for this purpose, we will need to develop a set of technologies which will solve a number of important problems and which will have applications in many other areas. We also intend these technologies to form a basis upon which prosthetics for repair of the central nervous system and particul" . "The repair of damage to parts of the body caused by disease or injury using man-made devices is almost routine. The most obvious examples of this are artificial hip replacements for patients suffering from arthritis or broken hip joints, and pacemakers for patients with heart disease. Each of these examples is in itself relatively simple in function, but the response of the body to having foreign objects made of metals and plastics implanted is often very complicated and may prevent the implant from doing the job it was intended to do. In this proposal, a new team of researchers has come together, to solve the problem of using artificial devices (prosthetics) to repair the nervous system. We will focus to begin with on repair of the peripheral nervous system, which carries electrical impulses from the brain to control muscles activity via motor neurons and from cells which respond to pain, touch etc back to the brain via sensory neurons. In order to create prosthetics for this purpose, we will need to develop a set of technologies which will solve a number of important problems and which will have applications in many other areas. We also intend these technologies to form a basis upon which prosthetics for repair of the central nervous system and particularly the spinal cord can be developed.\r\rWhen the nervous system is damaged, nerve fibres (axons) attempt to re-grow and regenerate but how successful this is will be determined by a number of factors. 1) If a nerve is entirely severed, axons cannot grow across a gap without a bridge to cross. 2) In the peripheral nervous system axons often regenerate to the wrong places, giving poor control over the movement of limbs. 3) The environment of the adult central nervous system actually inhibits axon regeneration.\r\rIn this project, we will develop a set of technologies which will enable permanently implantable prosthetic devices for peripheral nerve repair to be fabricated. The prosthetics will be based upon bridging structures made of plastic (polymer) materials with integrated electrodes which will be used to detect electrical signals generated by regenerated axons which have grown across the bridge. When cells grow on surfaces, the chemical properties of that surface can be used to control their behaviour, so we will attach molecules to the polymer surface which will repel certain types of cell, but attract sensory and motor neurons. By attaching different molecules to different electrodes it will be possible to choose whether a motor or sensory neuron i" . . "2005-09-05" . "2010-01-04" . "Yes" . . "1803110.748"^^ . "EP/C52330X/1" . "Announced" . . "Development of neuroelectronic interfaces for repair of damage to the nervous system" . . . . . . "The neural response produced by acoustic stimulation in the normal ear has a random element (noise) that may be an essential part of normal hearing. We have previously proposed that this noise should be incorporated into cochlear implants, which are devices used to restore the hearing of profoundly deaf people by electrical stimulation of the cochlear nerve (the nerve of hearing.) We have shown that noise added to signals can increase the amount of information transmitted by models of the cochlear nerve. However, our initial studies have been limited to the use of additive white noise. There is now substantial evidence to suggest that the dominant source of noise present during the natural coding of acoustic stimuli is multiplicative and has a 1/f (fractal) spectrum. A pilot study (detailed in the Case for Support) indicates that these differences lead to a fundamental change in the neural coding mechanism and result in a marked improvement in the information transmitted to the higher auditory centres of the brain. It is the potential exploitation of this information gain to improve speech comprehension that forms the basis of this proposal.\rWe propose to extend our pilot studies to study the benefit of multiplicative and fractal noise in more complete models of the electrically stimulated ear and to determine how to optimize the information transmission. This work will be carried out in collaboration with Advanced Bionics Ltd, St Thomas' Hospital (London), and the House Ear Institute (Los Angeles). Our coding strategy will be tested on with patients who use the Clarion cochlear implant." . "The neural response produced by acoustic stimulation in the normal ear has a random element (noise) that may be an essential part of normal hearing. We have previously proposed that this noise should be incorporated into cochlear implants, which are devices used to restore the hearing of profoundly deaf people by electrical stimulation of the cochlear nerve (the nerve of hearing.) We have shown that noise added to signals can increase the amount of information transmitted by models of the cochlear nerve. However, our initial studies have been limited to the use of additive white noise. There is now substantial evidence to suggest that the dominant source of noise present during the natural coding of acoustic stimuli is multiplicative and has a 1/f (fractal) spectrum. A pilot study (detailed in the Case for Support) indicates that these differences lead to a fundamental change in the neural coding mechanism and result in a marked improvement in the information transmitted to the higher auditory centres of the brain. It is the potential exploitation of this information gain to improve speech comprehension that forms the basis of this proposal.\rWe propose to extend our pilot studies to study the benefit of multiplicative and fractal noise in more complete m" . . "2005-04-01" . "2008-09-30" . "No" . . "252670.658"^^ . "EP/C523334/1" . "Announced" . . "Multiplicative and fractal noise coding for cochlear implants" . . . . . . "Miniaturisation has been a characteristic and critical feature of technological advance over the past few decades. The spectacular advances in computing power that we have seen have been the result of the ingenious development of manufacturing processes to enable the construction of ever smaller components in semiconductor chips. However, we are beginning to approach length scales where there may be fundamental limitations on the properties of silicon that will restrict the performance improvements that can be achieved. This is prompting many scientists to explore the use of carbon-based molecules to construct electronic circuits. Miniaturised organic molecular electronic devices would have light weight and flexibility, and they may offer many other advantages. Organic display technologies (LCD displays) have provided much lower rates of energy consumption, for example, and higher portability. However, there are currently no convenient ways to manufacture highly miniaturised organic circuits. Miniaturised assemblies of carbon-based molecules are not only useful in electronics. The most important carbon-based molecules are those that form the basis of life and of biological processes. Recently there has been a great deal of interest in building artificial structures that can interact with biological molecules on very small length scales. From the point of view of developing a better understanding of the world, it is possible that by studying the behaviour of molecules that regulate processes such as photosynthesis, which is the basis for life on earth, we may be able to better harness the complex mechanisms that Nature has developed. In medicine, the ability to build assemblies of molecules one-by-one would lead to enormous power to use artificial assemblies to guide the behaviour and growth of body structures. For example, synthetic templates could be used to engineer the reconnection of nerves severed in injury, or to repair skin destroyed by third degree burns. Miniaturised devices based on biological molecules might also be used to carry out very high sensitivity investigation of genetic material, helping doctors to rapidly build a picture of a patient's genetic profile and best target therapies to their needs.\rThe key feature in all of these technologies is that progress is critically dependent upon the ability to arrange and organise molecules on very small length scales - close to the dimensions of a single protein molecule, just ten billionths of a metre. There are no established tools for doing t" . "Miniaturisation has been a characteristic and critical feature of technological advance over the past few decades. The spectacular advances in computing power that we have seen have been the result of the ingenious development of manufacturing processes to enable the construction of ever smaller components in semiconductor chips. However, we are beginning to approach length scales where there may be fundamental limitations on the properties of silicon that will restrict the performance improvements that can be achieved. This is prompting many scientists to explore the use of carbon-based molecules to construct electronic circuits. Miniaturised organic molecular electronic devices would have light weight and flexibility, and they may offer many other advantages. Organic display technologies (LCD displays) have provided much lower rates of energy consumption, for example, and higher portability. However, there are currently no convenient ways to manufacture highly miniaturised organic circuits. Miniaturised assemblies of carbon-based molecules are not only useful in electronics. The most important carbon-based molecules are those that form the basis of life and of biological processes. Recently there has been a great deal of interest in building artificial" . . "2005-07-01" . "2009-12-31" . "Yes" . . "3143258.9044"^^ . "EP/C523857/1" . "Announced" . . "The Snomipede: Building Materials Molecule-by-Molecule" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2006-01-16" . "2010-01-15" . "Yes" . . "394430.46"^^ . "EP/C524381/1" . "Announced" . . "Modelling Non-Adiabatic Processes In Materials with Correlated Electron-Ion Dynamics: The Next Frontier in Quantum Modelling of Materials" . . . . . . "When scientists model materials at the atomic scale it is very common for them to make an approximation that enables them to make an enormous simplification. The approximation stems from the observation that the mass of an electron is at least three magnitudes less than the mass of an atom. It would seem a very reasonable step to say that whatever the positions of the atomic nuclei the very light electrons are able almost instantaneously to find a configuration which minimizes the energy of the system. This approximation is known as the Born-Oppenheimer (B-O) approximation, and it is invoked in the overwhelming majority of all simulations of materials at the atomic scale. \rOne of the consequences of making the B-O approximation is that there may be energy exchanges between electrons and ion cores those exchanges must be reversible. Irreversible flow of energy between electrons and ions cannot be treated if the B-O approximation is invoked. This is a severe limitation because it rules out many processes and phenomena in materials that are a consequence of such irreversible flows of energy. For example, it rules out the possibility of being able to model the heating of a metallic wire caused by a current flowing through it. Although we know that in metals, heat is conducted primarily by electrons, we must avoid the B-O approximation if we wish to model how the electrons receive the heat from hot vibrating ions in the first place. This is a long-standing major problem for atomistic simulations of processes in metals at ambient temperature ssuch as friction, plastic deformation and especially radiation damage. There are also many examples of polymers where injected electrons distort the polymer chain forming a polaron. To form a polaron an excited electron relaxes by an irreversible exchange of energy with the ions. For an electron to move its motion must be correlated with that of the ions. \rIt is very tempting to think that if we write down quantum equations of motion for electrons and couple them to classical equations of motion for ions we will be able to treat irreversible exchanges of energy between the electrons and ions. This approach is known as Ehrenfest dynamics. We have shown recently that whereas Ehrenfest dynamics can describe the heating of cold electrons by hot ions, it provides a wholly incorrect description of the heating of cold ions by hot electrons. We have analysed carefully the reasons for this surprising failure and discovered that it is a result of smearing out the electrons into" . "When scientists model materials at the atomic scale it is very common for them to make an approximation that enables them to make an enormous simplification. The approximation stems from the observation that the mass of an electron is at least three magnitudes less than the mass of an atom. It would seem a very reasonable step to say that whatever the positions of the atomic nuclei the very light electrons are able almost instantaneously to find a configuration which minimizes the energy of the system. This approximation is known as the Born-Oppenheimer (B-O) approximation, and it is invoked in the overwhelming majority of all simulations of materials at the atomic scale. \rOne of the consequences of making the B-O approximation is that there may be energy exchanges between electrons and ion cores those exchanges must be reversible. Irreversible flow of energy between electrons and ions cannot be treated if the B-O approximation is invoked. This is a severe limitation because it rules out many processes and phenomena in materials that are a consequence of such irreversible flows of energy. For example, it rules out the possibility of being able to model the heating of a metallic wire caused by a current flowing through it. Although we know that in metals" . . "2005-10-01" . "2010-03-31" . "Yes" . . "416521.75"^^ . "EP/C524403/1" . "Announced" . . "Modelling Non-Adiabatic Processes In Materials with Correlated Electron-Ion Dynamics: The Next Frontier in Quantum Modelling of Materials" . . . . . . "Fibre reinforced composite materials are being more widely used as primary structural members in the field of engineering because of their high strength to weight ratio and in some instances their stealth characteristics. However, determining their residual strength, once they have been subjected to a blast load, is crucial in assessing their damage tolerance and thereby determining the structures survivability after the extreme loading event. This is of paramount importance for operational and safety issues and will be investigated using physical experimentation, numerical and mechanical modelling. The aim is to improve the understanding of residual strength and stiffness characteristics of composite panels in terms of the appropriate damage processes and energy absorption mechanisms. Based on experimental findings the work will develop a new material model with the ability to degrade. The aim is to improve on some aspects of the numerical modelling of damage in large structures, in particular the modelling of delamination which can have a severe effect on the residual strength of a composite panel. A simple mechanical model of the panel will also be developed in order to underpin some of the numerical modelling and to provide a more rapid assessment of" . "Fibre reinforced composite materials are being more widely used as primary structural members in the field of engineering because of their high strength to weight ratio and in some instances their stealth characteristics. However, determining their residual strength, once they have been subjected to a blast load, is crucial in assessing their damage tolerance and thereby determining the structures survivability after the extreme loading event. This is of paramount importance for operational and safety issues and will be investigated using physical experimentation, numerical and mechanical modelling. The aim is to improve the understanding of residual strength and stiffness characteristics of composite panels in terms of the appropriate damage processes and energy absorption mechanisms. Based on experimental findings the work will develop a new material model with the ability to degrade. The aim is to improve on some aspects of the numerical modelling of damage in large structures, in particular the modelling of delamination which can have a severe effect on the residual strength of a composite panel. A simple mechanical model of the panel will also be developed in order to underpin some of the numerical modelling and to provide a more rapid assessment of residual capacity. This will provide a useful set of results for damage assessments for both naval vessels and offshore topside structures in an area where limited studies exist. The work is of an international nature with high level collaboration with the Office of Naval Research in the USA who are providing both financial support and access to experimental and numerical studies that will allow cross fertilisation of ideas to take place which will enhance the research capability of both nations." . . "2006-03-06" . "2009-06-05" . "No" . . "237804.72"^^ . "EP/C526244/1" . "Announced" . . "Residual Strength and Stiffness of Blast Damaged Composite Panels" . . . . . . "This proposal is an inter-disciplinary project between the Universities of Cranfield, Strathclyde and City. The academic partnership has been formed to impart expertise and experiences gained on previous projects in the areas of chemical process and structural integrity monitoring of composite materials. The project is an integral and essential part of the DTI ACLAIM proposal led by AEA Technology, NPL and Mitsui-Babcock in collaboration with industrial partners representing a wide range of composite interests. The primary aim of the ACLAIM project is to develop techniques and protocols to enable the life assessment and integrity management of advanced fibre reinforced composites (AFRCs). The industrial partners include BP, Powergen, Highways Agency, Network Rail, Vestas Blade Systems, Insensys, HSE, Lloyds, DML, Parsons Birnkerhoff, Serco Assurance, (noes Chlor, Eurocomposites and Insys. While including sensor manufacturers, fabricators etc; the project is principally driven by asset owners through their need to understand and deliver their responsibilities when installing major assets manufactured in AFRCs (eg bridges, process plant, large structural components)." . . "2005-05-01" . "2008-09-30" . "No" . . "136935.71"^^ . "EP/C528352/1" . "Announced" . . "DTI TP: ACLAIM: Advanced Composite Life Assessment & Integrity Management" . . . . . . "The four different research projects described in this proposal vary widely in what they wish to investigate and so they are described separately below.\rMolecular teaspoons: As technology continues to miniaturise we are moving into the the nanoworld. This project seeks to move towards a molecular teaspoon, where the spoon is one billionth of a meter in diameter. By using light and an applied voltage it is possible to 'switch on' the motion. These spoons will be located in the area between liquids, the interface. (You have seen these with olive oil and vinegar in salad dressing.) Think of this as, add light, stir liquids, mix the dressing and all without shaking.\rMolecular Fuel tanks: There is a current desire to move away from traditional energy sources such as petroleum, towards new eco-friendly fuels such as hydrogen. Hydrogen is particularly desirable as a fuel as its main by-product after reaction with oxygen, either by combustion or in a fuel cell, is water. However, there are several technological challenges to overcome in order to achieve this transition, one of which is the safe storage of hydrogen gas. We propose to make new types of porous solid consisting of frameworks of silica-like and metal building blocks. These 'molecular fuel tanks' wil" . "The four different research projects described in this proposal vary widely in what they wish to investigate and so they are described separately below.\rMolecular teaspoons: As technology continues to miniaturise we are moving into the the nanoworld. This project seeks to move towards a molecular teaspoon, where the spoon is one billionth of a meter in diameter. By using light and an applied voltage it is possible to 'switch on' the motion. These spoons will be located in the area between liquids, the interface. (You have seen these with olive oil and vinegar in salad dressing.) Think of this as, add light, stir liquids, mix the dressing and all without shaking.\rMolecular Fuel tanks: There is a current desire to move away from traditional energy sources such as petroleum, towards new eco-friendly fuels such as hydrogen. Hydrogen is particularly desirable as a fuel as its main by-product after reaction with oxygen, either by combustion or in a fuel cell, is water. However, there are several technological challenges to overcome in order to achieve this transition, one of which is the safe storage of hydrogen gas. We propose to make new types of porous solid consisting of frameworks of silica-like and metal building blocks. These 'molecular fuel tanks' will act as sponges for the reversible storage of hydrogen gas with potential applications in mobile electronic devices and the automotive industry.\rBiocompatible Adhesives: The goal is to develop sustainable and efficient synthesis of commodity plastics, poyurethanes. These plastics are consumed at a global rate of around 9 million tons per year and are sold as adhesives, foams and fibres, for applications in construction, transportation and furniture. Recently, they have emerged as biocompatible materials for the manufacture of medical tubing, implants, adhesives and tissue regeneration matrices. Such high value and high growth medical markets demand future generations of polyurethanes with increased purity and structural homogeneity. We will address this using metalcatalysed living polymerisation which exerts such control and has been reported for most commodity plastics, with the exception of polyurethanes. The usual synthesis of such materials, via the polycondensation of isocyanates with diols or diamines, is often accelerated with toxic tin or mercury additives. We propose to introduce a living polymerisation route using renewable resources, carbon dioxide and commercially available nitrogen heterocycles.\rFoliacenes: Rationally designed metal-based" . . "2005-05-23" . "2007-05-22" . "No" . . "253127.66"^^ . "EP/C528816/1" . "Announced" . . "Making Molecules That Work" . . . . . . "X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a technique that allows us to study the structure of crystalline materials in detail. Processing of materials can induce changes in structure at a variety of levels, from macroscopic through microscopic to atomic. XRD allows us to probe these changes on all levels. For biomaterials which find applications within the human body, the relationship between the structure of a material and its properties is critical. Changes in structure can affect not only the mechanical properties of the material (strength, load bearing ability etc) but also its biological properties - i.e. the way it interacts with the cells and tissues in the body. It is important to be able to fully characterise the structure of biomaterials in order to give a more complete understanding of these relationships.\rThe X-ray diffractometer that we are seeking to purchase has significant benefits of high resolution, speed and the ability to examine thin films. We will use it primarily in two areas of research:\r(1) The study of calcium phosphates. These are an important group of biomaterials which form the inorganic part of tooth and bone. The new instrument will allow us to more fully characterise these materials, which can be synthesised in a variety of ways. As well as being synthesised in the laboratory for biomaterials applications, calcium phosphates tend to precipitate onto solid surfaces when placed into biological fluids. This is thought to be very important in, for example, the integration of biomedical implant materials within hard tissue such as bone. The nature of the surface involved can have a major impact on the rate of precipitation and the structure of the precipitate formed. The thin film capabilities of the diffractometer will allow us to study this process in detail and relate the rate of formation and structure of the calcium phosphate precipitate to the nature of the substrate material.\r(2) Titanium and ion-implanted titanium. The metal titanium and a range of it's alloys have received particular attention as dental and orthopaedic implants. These materials tend to be well received by the body, which may be at least partially due to the relatively unreactive nature of the surface, which is covered by a passive layer of titanium oxide. The surface chemistry and the way in which cells respond to it can be altered by the inclusion of different ions (e.g. calcium) by a technique known as ion implantation. In this technique, a beam of energetic ions is fired at a target where the ions become physic" . "X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a technique that allows us to study the structure of crystalline materials in detail. Processing of materials can induce changes in structure at a variety of levels, from macroscopic through microscopic to atomic. XRD allows us to probe these changes on all levels. For biomaterials which find applications within the human body, the relationship between the structure of a material and its properties is critical. Changes in structure can affect not only the mechanical properties of the material (strength, load bearing ability etc) but also its biological properties - i.e. the way it interacts with the cells and tissues in the body. It is important to be able to fully characterise the structure of biomaterials in order to give a more complete understanding of these relationships.\rThe X-ray diffractometer that we are seeking to purchase has significant benefits of high resolution, speed and the ability to examine thin films. We will use it primarily in two areas of research:\r(1) The study of calcium phosphates. These are an important group of biomaterials which form the inorganic part of tooth and bone. The new instrument will allow us to more fully characterise these materials, which can be synthesised in a variety of ways. As we" . . "2005-01-01" . "2007-12-31" . "No" . . "50000"^^ . "EP/C531477/1" . "Announced" . . "X-Ray Diffraction System for Powder Diffraction, Texture and Thin Film Studies in Biomaterials Surfaces and Interfaces" . . . . . . "Layered polymer composite materials with low weight and high strength are increasingly used in modern aircraft, ships and cars. A major problem with these materials is that impact easily causes damage, which significantly reduces the strength. The strength after impact depends on the stiffness reduction at the damage, which presently is difficult to estimate or measure.\rThe aim of this project aims to develop a method to determine stiffness variations in impacted composite plates without the need to cut out pieces for testing. The method will be based on comparison between a computer model and photographic measurements on a loaded plate. The stiffness is found by using mathematical methods to adjust the stiffness in the computer model until the computed and measured deformations match. The result is a map of the stiffness variation in the plate.\rThe improved description of impact damage properties will allow more reliable and efficient design of aircraft and other composite structures. It will also allow users of such structures to make decisions on the need of repair after an impact. In the future the method may be useful for measuring stiffness of soft materials such as muscles and plants, which are difficult to measure with conventional methods." . . "2005-11-01" . "2008-10-31" . "No" . . "114394.09"^^ . "EP/C531590/1" . "Announced" . . "INVERSE METHOD FOR STIFFNESS DETERMINATION OF IMPACT DAMAGE IN COMPOSITES" . . . . . . "This research project is based on a Visiting Fellowship for Professor Daniel J. Inman of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University who will visit Glasgow and Swansea Universities in order to apply some of the major findings from Grants GR/N06267/01 and GR/N06328/01 to the experimental rigs at both sites. The principal aim of this research is to investigate how best to design three dimensional bearing housing structures for rotordynamics installations using composite material strengthened by strategically placed SMA elements on and within them so that resonant behaviour in flexible rotors can be controlled. The main problems yet to be solved so that this work can be introduced into industrial research and development, involve exploring the relatively large combinational solution space generated during the finite element modelling modelling stage of GR/N06267/01and GR/N06328/01 in order to optimise performance, devising fast heating and cooling methodologies that do not lead to premature debonding of the SMA/Composite, and deriving suitable nonlinear control systems. Professor Inman has very considerable expertise in smart systems research and development and in industrial implementations. He is Director of the Centre for Intelligent Material Syst" . "This research project is based on a Visiting Fellowship for Professor Daniel J. Inman of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University who will visit Glasgow and Swansea Universities in order to apply some of the major findings from Grants GR/N06267/01 and GR/N06328/01 to the experimental rigs at both sites. The principal aim of this research is to investigate how best to design three dimensional bearing housing structures for rotordynamics installations using composite material strengthened by strategically placed SMA elements on and within them so that resonant behaviour in flexible rotors can be controlled. The main problems yet to be solved so that this work can be introduced into industrial research and development, involve exploring the relatively large combinational solution space generated during the finite element modelling modelling stage of GR/N06267/01and GR/N06328/01 in order to optimise performance, devising fast heating and cooling methodologies that do not lead to premature debonding of the SMA/Composite, and deriving suitable nonlinear control systems. Professor Inman has very considerable expertise in smart systems research and development and in industrial implementations. He is Director of the Centre for Intelligent Material Systems and Structures in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University." . . "2005-09-01" . "2008-08-31" . "No" . . "41170.8376"^^ . "EP/C531892/1" . "Announced" . . "SMA/Composite Bearing Housings for Vibration Control in Rotor Systems - Visiting Fellowship on behalf of Professor Daniel J Inman" . . . . . . "Understanding the process of communication between neurones in the brain is important problem in both basic physiology and the understanding of disease. The role that neurotransmitters play during the formation of synapses is currently unknown. I intend with the use of a new type of diamond electrode (with Prof G. Swain, Michigan State University) and novel signal processing techniques (with Prof. M. Wightman, University of North Carolina) to understand the roles played by multiple co-released neurotransmitters during neuronal regeneration and synaptogenesis in culture (with Prof. N. Syed, University of Calgary). pH changes will also be measured as an indicator of vesicular release from neurones and will be used to validate the response of the diamond electrode\r\rLong-term recordings (days) and intracellular from regenerating neurones in the intact CNS will be attempted for the first time, with Dr M. Yeoman (University of Brighton) and at Imperial College\r\rThe transfer of technology between the institutions involved will help advance the means of analytical measurement in this important area and have broader technological application and consolidate my skills at the interface of analytical science, neurophysiology and engineering. The total cost of the project is 43,000." . "Understanding the process of communication between neurones in the brain is important problem in both basic physiology and the understanding of disease. The role that neurotransmitters play during the formation of synapses is currently unknown. I intend with the use of a new type of diamond electrode (with Prof G. Swain, Michigan State University) and novel signal processing techniques (with Prof. M. Wightman, University of North Carolina) to understand the roles played by multiple co-released neurotransmitters during neuronal regeneration and synaptogenesis in culture (with Prof. N. Syed, University of Calgary). pH changes will also be measured as an indicator of vesicular release from neurones and will be used to validate the response of the diamond electrode\r\rLong-term recordings (days) and intracellular from regenerating neurones in the intact CNS will be attempted for the first time, with Dr M. Yeoman (University of Brighton) and at Imperial College\r\rThe transfer of technology between the institutions involved will help advance the means of analytical measurement in this important area and have broader technological application and consolidate my skills at the interface of analytical science, neurophysiology and engineering. The total cost of the" . . "2006-02-01" . "2009-01-31" . "No" . . "139525.94"^^ . "EP/C532058/1" . "Announced" . . "CHEMICAL CHARACTERISATION OF SYNAPTOGENESIS" . . . . . . "Since the advent of SiC fibres in the 1970s, it has been a worldwide common practice to pursue a homogeneous distribution of the reinforcements in discontinuously reinforced composites, discontinuous metal matrix composites (DMMCs) in particular. This conventional approach to DMMCs development has enabled some advantages of DMMCs over unreinforced monolithic materials to be realised to a limited extent by altering volume fraction, size and aspect ratio of the reinforcing phases. However, our recent fundamental study has shown that a homogeneously discrete distribution of the reinforcement inevitably results in a relatively low performance suggesting a new approach is needed.\rThe proposed new approach is using hierarchical microstructures, i.e., to design and manufacture composite materials with controlled inhomogeneous microstructures by deliberately tailoring the reinforcement spatial distributions. Our preliminary experimental results have shown that a tailored inhomogeneous microstructure with varying degree of continuity of the reinforcement is more effective for overall property improvement.\rThe aim is to tailor the combination of composite properties for particular engineering applications. This involves theoretical modelling and experimental explorations. The modelling work will systematically investigate the effect of spatial distribution of the reinforcing phase on the composite properties. Reliable processing techniques will be explored to manufacture composites with these novel microstructures and their properties will be assessed." . "Since the advent of SiC fibres in the 1970s, it has been a worldwide common practice to pursue a homogeneous distribution of the reinforcements in discontinuously reinforced composites, discontinuous metal matrix composites (DMMCs) in particular. This conventional approach to DMMCs development has enabled some advantages of DMMCs over unreinforced monolithic materials to be realised to a limited extent by altering volume fraction, size and aspect ratio of the reinforcing phases. However, our recent fundamental study has shown that a homogeneously discrete distribution of the reinforcement inevitably results in a relatively low performance suggesting a new approach is needed.\rThe proposed new approach is using hierarchical microstructures, i.e., to design and manufacture composite materials with controlled inhomogeneous microstructures by deliberately tailoring the reinforcement spatial distributions. Our preliminary experimental results have shown that a tailored inhomogeneous microstructure with varying degree of continuity of the reinforcement is more effective for overall property improvement.\rThe aim is to tailor the combination of composite properties for particular engineering applications. This involves theoretical modelling and experimental expl" . . . "2005-08-01" . "2008-01-31" . "No" . . "125991.94"^^ . "EP/C532392/1" . "Announced" . . "Composites with Hierarchical Microstructures ---From Homogeneous to Inhomogeneous" . . . . . . "This proposal is aimed at providing chemical imaging capabilities with different fields of view using ATR (Attenuated Total Reflection)-IR imaging. The proposed step change in the measured field of view will significantly enhance the sensitivity and reliability of analysis of sample surfaces in forensic measurements. Rapid chemical imaging analysis of the large surface area samples (e.g. 1.6 x 2.2 cm2 and larger) with enhanced spatial resolution, could be used to analyse the surface of human skin (e.g. finger), textile materials (clothing), plastics and rubber (shoes, bags, personal care products, etc.), questioned documents (e.g. banknotes), trace evidence (e.g. in soil), tablets, drugs, fibres, tape explosives, biological samples and biomaterials. Gunshot residues and other particles can be analysed using tape-lift method combined with ATR imaging. However, the underpinning methodology needs to be developed first and this project will provide for that. As a part of the project, the imaging methodology for simultaneous high-throughput analysis of many samples of interest to forensic science will also be developed. This project, therefore, fulfils the stated requirements of the 'Think Crime' initiative as an exciting piece of step-change characterisation" . "This proposal is aimed at providing chemical imaging capabilities with different fields of view using ATR (Attenuated Total Reflection)-IR imaging. The proposed step change in the measured field of view will significantly enhance the sensitivity and reliability of analysis of sample surfaces in forensic measurements. Rapid chemical imaging analysis of the large surface area samples (e.g. 1.6 x 2.2 cm2 and larger) with enhanced spatial resolution, could be used to analyse the surface of human skin (e.g. finger), textile materials (clothing), plastics and rubber (shoes, bags, personal care products, etc.), questioned documents (e.g. banknotes), trace evidence (e.g. in soil), tablets, drugs, fibres, tape explosives, biological samples and biomaterials. Gunshot residues and other particles can be analysed using tape-lift method combined with ATR imaging. However, the underpinning methodology needs to be developed first and this project will provide for that. As a part of the project, the imaging methodology for simultaneous high-throughput analysis of many samples of interest to forensic science will also be developed. This project, therefore, fulfils the stated requirements of the 'Think Crime' initiative as an exciting piece of step-change characterisation science with very broad applications in forensic investigations and ultimately sensors. It builds upon leading research efforts of the team that provided new development in FTIR imaging. Significant interest from instrument manufacturers will ensure that the novel methodology is developed for the applications by potential end-users. The overall aim is to develop applications of a novel imaging methodology with wide applicability for forensic services." . . "2005-11-01" . "2007-10-31" . "No" . . "183072.28"^^ . "EP/C532678/1" . "Announced" . . "Enhancing Forensic Science with Spectroscopic Imaging" . . . . . . "A major cause of death is due to electrical irregularity in the heart, leading to loss of its function as a rhythmic pump. This is produced by abnormal spread or propagation of electrical excitation in the tissues of the heart, caused by changes in either or both cell behaviour and Cell--cell coupling over\rthe past 40 years detailed experiments on single cardiac cells have provided a description of the molecular and cellular mechanisms d c details and the excitation, but how these lead to abnormalities in propagation in the tissue and organ behaviour is still uncertain. The problem lies in the details and the complexity: computational simulation provides a means for solving this. Current models of cardiac activity require about a week of a 1.5 multi processor supercomputer to stimulate a few seconds of activity. Although these simulations have been validated by comparison with experimental improvements in hardware and also by improvements in programming.\rThis project is to train a computational scientist in these problems, in a laboratory actively engaged in several funded projects related to the mechanisms generating the normal heart rythm, the control of heart rate and rythm by drugs, the onset of disorders in heart rythm and the effects of large magnetic fields in triggering disorders in rythm, of large electrical fields on eliminating disorders in rythm defibrillation. These different specific problems provide testbed for evaluating improvements in computational techniques. We expect this project will lead to increased computational efficiency for solving this kind of problem, and that this will enable new approaches to understanding the prevention and control of these potentially fatal arrhythmias." . "A major cause of death is due to electrical irregularity in the heart, leading to loss of its function as a rhythmic pump. This is produced by abnormal spread or propagation of electrical excitation in the tissues of the heart, caused by changes in either or both cell behaviour and Cell--cell coupling over\rthe past 40 years detailed experiments on single cardiac cells have provided a description of the molecular and cellular mechanisms d c details and the excitation, but how these lead to abnormalities in propagation in the tissue and organ behaviour is still uncertain. The problem lies in the details and the complexity: computational simulation provides a means for solving this. Current models of cardiac activity require about a week of a 1.5 multi processor supercomputer to stimulate a few seconds of activity. Although these simulations have been validated by comparison with experimental improvements in hardware and also by improvements in programming.\rThis project is to train a computational scientist in these problems, in a laboratory actively engaged in several funded projects related to the mechanisms generating the normal heart rythm, the control of heart rate and rythm by drugs, the onset of disorders in heart rythm and the effects of large m" . . "2005-10-01" . "2009-09-30" . "Yes" . . "92311.17"^^ . "EP/C532759/1" . "Announced" . . "High throughput electrophysiological, electromagnetic & electromechanical cardiac virtual tissue engineering" . . . . . . "Phosphate glasses are an increasingly important class of biomedical materials, finding an expanding role in implant design, as replacements for bone and other hard tissue. Most recently their potential in tissue engineering is being explored because of their chemical composition, which is close to that of natural bone tissue, and their active degradability in the body. One of the main advantages of these phosphate glasses is their solubility, which can be tailored to suit the end application by controlling the chemistry. In this way, the dissolution rates of the phosphate glasses can be varied by several orders of magnitude. From a fundamental point of view, the solubility must be linked to atomic-scale structure, but little is really known in this regard. Thus, if we are going to optimize the exploitation of these materials, it is clearly necessary to understand their dissolution behaviour, which forms the central theme of the present proposal. We plan to conduct a detailed computational study designed to elucidate the atomic-scale mechanisms underlying the dissolution processes. In outline, the computational study will produce atomic-scale structural models of phosphate glasses, where identification of the key features will be related to existing experimental observations of the dissolution products. This will entail a detailed analysis and characterization of the model structures.\rThe project will exploit a range of state-of-the-art computational techniques and the latest High End Computing (HEC) facilities, which are essential for the successful completion of the research programme." . "Phosphate glasses are an increasingly important class of biomedical materials, finding an expanding role in implant design, as replacements for bone and other hard tissue. Most recently their potential in tissue engineering is being explored because of their chemical composition, which is close to that of natural bone tissue, and their active degradability in the body. One of the main advantages of these phosphate glasses is their solubility, which can be tailored to suit the end application by controlling the chemistry. In this way, the dissolution rates of the phosphate glasses can be varied by several orders of magnitude. From a fundamental point of view, the solubility must be linked to atomic-scale structure, but little is really known in this regard. Thus, if we are going to optimize the exploitation of these materials, it is clearly necessary to understand their dissolution behaviour, which forms the central theme of the present proposal. We plan to conduct a detailed computational study designed to elucidate the atomic-scale mechanisms underlying the dissolution processes. In outline, the computational study will produce atomic-scale structural models of phosphate glasses, where identification of the key features will be related to existing experi" . . "2006-01-09" . "2010-07-08" . "Yes" . . "111836.12"^^ . "EP/C532767/1" . "Announced" . . "A High End Computing project investigating the dissolution of bio-active phosphate glasses" . . . . . . "The next healthcare revolution will apply regenerative medicines using human cells and tissues. However, whilst science has revealed the potential, and early products have shown the power of such therapies, the realisation of this opportunity as a 21st century industry also requires consistent manufacturing and appropriate business and cost structures. The goal of the proposed project is to realise delivery at an acceptable price. The last 15 years has seen the growth of an equivalent new healthcare industry based on human proteins produced in engineered organisms with a current market value of 30 billion a year. There is now an opportunity to replicate this growth in the new industry of regenerative medicine. The grand challenge aims to make a key contribution to the growth of regenerative medicine as an industry and unlock its potential to contribute to the UK economy. The programme will do this by demonstrating how established bio-science can be transformed into profitable commercial practice and generate affordable therapies." . . "2005-09-01" . "2010-02-28" . "Yes" . . "4226029.9448"^^ . "EP/C534247/1" . "Announced" . . "Regenerative Medicine - A New Industry" . . . . . . "Over a hundred years ago scientists realised that visible light was part of the electromagnetic spectrum: light is characterised by a wavelength (like the distance between ripples on a pond), or by frequency (number of ripples going by in a second). The colours in the rainbow correspond to various wavelengths around a half millionth of a metre. In time, other types of electromagnetic radiation (emr) were recognized, e.g.: infrared (wavelength around a millionth of a metre) and microwaves (wavelength a centimetre or so). It was recognized that emr consists of both electric and magnetic fields moving along at a characteristic speed. A source of emr could be, e.g., a light bulb, or a radio antenna . Normally, we are not interested in getting close to a source of emr, but in the far-field, as it is called, where energy is carried away. Recently, it has been realised that there is a great deal happening close to the source, i.e. in the near-field. This Proposal deals with specially-made devices that can manipulate this near-field in a certain wavelength range. We plan to use these new devices to make better imaging systems that can direct this emr into places such as the inside of the human body, where it might be used for cancer detection or to sense explosiv" . "Over a hundred years ago scientists realised that visible light was part of the electromagnetic spectrum: light is characterised by a wavelength (like the distance between ripples on a pond), or by frequency (number of ripples going by in a second). The colours in the rainbow correspond to various wavelengths around a half millionth of a metre. In time, other types of electromagnetic radiation (emr) were recognized, e.g.: infrared (wavelength around a millionth of a metre) and microwaves (wavelength a centimetre or so). It was recognized that emr consists of both electric and magnetic fields moving along at a characteristic speed. A source of emr could be, e.g., a light bulb, or a radio antenna . Normally, we are not interested in getting close to a source of emr, but in the far-field, as it is called, where energy is carried away. Recently, it has been realised that there is a great deal happening close to the source, i.e. in the near-field. This Proposal deals with specially-made devices that can manipulate this near-field in a certain wavelength range. We plan to use these new devices to make better imaging systems that can direct this emr into places such as the inside of the human body, where it might be used for cancer detection or to sense explosives or drugs on people through clothes. We might also want to make a special microscope for this range to look at single cells. This wavelength range lies between radio and infrared, and corresponds to wavelengths about one millimetre to about one thirtieth of a millimetre. It is also known as the Terahertz (THz) range, because the frequency of the radiation is one million million times a second. Amazingly, we are only just beginning to develop efficient tools to create and detect his radiation - more than a century after the discovery of radio. This radiation can sense cancers and explosives because molecules wobble, vibrate and rotate at THz frequencies.\rEveryone knows that when you see a stick in water it seems to be bent. In the 17th century, Thomas Harriot produced a law to describe this, which was stolen by the Dutchman Willibrod Snell. It turns out that what is important is the refractive index : this says how fast light (or any emr) can travel in a material. It was later realised that the refractive index was related to two further very important quantities, known as the permittvity and the permeability. These quantities deal with the electric and magnetic field that go to make up emr. Regrettably, in normal materials the numerical values of all o" . . "2005-08-01" . "2008-07-31" . "No" . . "366724.2384"^^ . "EP/C534263/1" . "Announced" . . "ARTIFICIAL MATERIALS FOR TERAHERTZ FREQUENCY APPLICATIONS" . . . . . . "This project is at the interface between colloid chemistry and electronic engineering. It is aimed at the development of novel devices for optoelectronic applications. The devices are based on colloidal suspensions of electrically polarised particles, which perform similarly to liquid-crystalline materials. Suspended semiconductor nanoparticles and heterostructures will be used for control of electronic and optical properties of the systems. We are aiming to combine two novel ides and approaches: (i) a chemical approach to create a fabrication method for nanoparticles of permanent electric dipolar moment based on 'freezing' the polarisation of microemulsion drops, which produces 'colloidal liquid crystals', and (ii) an engineering approach to develop novel Suspended Semiconductor Particle Devices for light control based on semiconductor nanocrystals and heterostructures. We will develop these ideas to produce colloid liquid crystals based on semiconductor materials. This would allow us to use weak electric fields to control the optical and electronic properties of thin films of suspended semiconductor particles. The successful combination of these new ideas would provide a route to fabrication of completely novel devices for light control with a number of optoelectronic applications, like large TV displays, electronic paper, sky roofs and smart windows." . "This project is at the interface between colloid chemistry and electronic engineering. It is aimed at the development of novel devices for optoelectronic applications. The devices are based on colloidal suspensions of electrically polarised particles, which perform similarly to liquid-crystalline materials. Suspended semiconductor nanoparticles and heterostructures will be used for control of electronic and optical properties of the systems. We are aiming to combine two novel ides and approaches: (i) a chemical approach to create a fabrication method for nanoparticles of permanent electric dipolar moment based on 'freezing' the polarisation of microemulsion drops, which produces 'colloidal liquid crystals', and (ii) an engineering approach to develop novel Suspended Semiconductor Particle Devices for light control based on semiconductor nanocrystals and heterostructures. We will develop these ideas to produce colloid liquid crystals based on semiconductor materials. This would allow us to use weak electric fields to control the optical and electronic properties of thin films of suspended semiconductor particles. The successful combination of these new ideas would provide a route to fabrication of completely novel devices for light control with a number of" . . "2006-03-31" . "2008-03-30" . "No" . . "189760.23"^^ . "EP/C53431X/1" . "Announced" . . "Novel Devices for Light Control Based on Suspended Semiconductor Nanocrystals and Nanostructures" . . . . . . "This research is concerned with changing the way we make electronics circuits. At present electronic components are assembled on a flat printed circuit board and soldered into place. We are proposing a new instrument that will make it possible to build circuits which can be assembled on any surface including ones which are very far from being flat. The great advantage of this is that in equipment like in mobile phones the components can be assembled on the inside surface of the plastic case, without the need to mount a flat circuit board inside. We have demonstrated that the way to do this is to use holograms to project three-dimensional pictures of the circuit tracks onto the surface in question. This has already led to some really exciting work, whereby we have been able to make spiral tracks on the outside of a cone. Our interest in investigating this new way of making electronic circuits is that nature itself is three-dimensional and to capture radio waves and send signals and connect 3D objects together that are in themselves very small will require the kind of new instrument we are proposing to build. This particular research proposed in the following case for support is making a major step forward in developing moving holograms rather than static h" . "This research is concerned with changing the way we make electronics circuits. At present electronic components are assembled on a flat printed circuit board and soldered into place. We are proposing a new instrument that will make it possible to build circuits which can be assembled on any surface including ones which are very far from being flat. The great advantage of this is that in equipment like in mobile phones the components can be assembled on the inside surface of the plastic case, without the need to mount a flat circuit board inside. We have demonstrated that the way to do this is to use holograms to project three-dimensional pictures of the circuit tracks onto the surface in question. This has already led to some really exciting work, whereby we have been able to make spiral tracks on the outside of a cone. Our interest in investigating this new way of making electronic circuits is that nature itself is three-dimensional and to capture radio waves and send signals and connect 3D objects together that are in themselves very small will require the kind of new instrument we are proposing to build. This particular research proposed in the following case for support is making a major step forward in developing moving holograms rather than static holograms. The difference is a significant as the difference between digital photographs and digital television, where the latter allows you to keep track of events as they evolve in time and space. We have called the proposal Maskless Nonplanar Photolithography because the hologram mask is created on a time-changing screen, thus allowing us to scan the correct circuit details and project them onto the changing topographical surface. This should allow us to contemplate making very interesting devices like television screens that are as big the wall in a room and connect microelectronic computers to the tiny nanoscale medical and environmental sensors becoming available. Solutions for mobile phone antennas to be encased in watches alongside your hand-held computer all might be now feasible." . . "2005-09-01" . "2009-02-28" . "No" . . "442660.16"^^ . "EP/C53476X/1" . "Announced" . . "Maskless Non-Planar Photolithography (3DML)" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2006-03-01" . "2009-08-31" . "No" . . "242282.38"^^ . "EP/C534778/1" . "Announced" . . "Maskless Non-Planar Photolithography (3DML)" . . . . . . "Proposed here, is a study of bioreactor design using cultures of rat liver cells which were chosen for ease of handling, safety and their ability to regenerate quickly over short periods of time. This will be done across two length scales. Firstly, Two-Photon Microscopy (TPM) will be used to study the impact of bioreactor design on the cellular interactions and growth on a submicron length scale. Secondly, the hydrodynamics of the bioreactors and its impact on the tissue will be studied on the micron scale using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Both these techniques are non-invasive and allow for the bioreactor to be studied in-situ. I believe that using a combination of the two techniques will allow the necessary information on the chemistry, physics and biology characterising these systems, over the hierarchy of length scales relevant to reactor design, to be obtained for the first time.\rThroughout the course of this project, my current expertise in MRI and chemical engineering will be complemented by the new skills I will learn in tissue engineering and two photon microscopy. The synergy of these skills and techniques will be the basis for detailed hydrodynamic studies, optimisation and scale-up." . . "2006-01-01" . "2008-12-31" . "No" . . "140464.55"^^ . "EP/C535405/1" . "Announced" . . "Design of tissue engineering bioreactors using Magnetic resonance imaging and two photon microscopy" . . . . . "Recent developments in tissue engineering involve growing cells on functionalised scaffolds to form specific tissues that simulate the complex structures and physiological behaviour of their natural counterparts. To achieve this goal, it is essential that the scaffolds employed have the desired bio-mimetic properties for controlling cell behaviour such as proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. Adhesion of cells to scaffolds plays a critical role in modulating these cellular functions, especially initially during seeding. Thus a rigorous understanding of how the scaffold surface properties affect cell-scaffold interactions will be crucial to the future advance in tissue engineering. This project aims to address the above issue by using an integrated AFM/FM (Atomic Force Microscopy/Fluorescence Microscopy) technique to quantify and elucidate the cell-substrate interactions and associated cell behaviour in relation to scaffold surface properties and patterning, thus enabling the rational design of scaffold properties. In this study, various types of tissue regenerating cells (e.g. fibroblasts, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, neural, and endothelial cells) and tissue engineering substrates (e.g. polystyrene, polyurethane, poly-lactic acid, poly-glycolic-c" . "Recent developments in tissue engineering involve growing cells on functionalised scaffolds to form specific tissues that simulate the complex structures and physiological behaviour of their natural counterparts. To achieve this goal, it is essential that the scaffolds employed have the desired bio-mimetic properties for controlling cell behaviour such as proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. Adhesion of cells to scaffolds plays a critical role in modulating these cellular functions, especially initially during seeding. Thus a rigorous understanding of how the scaffold surface properties affect cell-scaffold interactions will be crucial to the future advance in tissue engineering. This project aims to address the above issue by using an integrated AFM/FM (Atomic Force Microscopy/Fluorescence Microscopy) technique to quantify and elucidate the cell-substrate interactions and associated cell behaviour in relation to scaffold surface properties and patterning, thus enabling the rational design of scaffold properties. In this study, various types of tissue regenerating cells (e.g. fibroblasts, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, neural, and endothelial cells) and tissue engineering substrates (e.g. polystyrene, polyurethane, poly-lactic acid, poly-glycolic-co-lactic acid and polycaprolactone) will be investigated; while the substrate surface modification will be carried out using techniques such as plasma treatment, ion irradiation treatment or chemical vapour deposition method." . . "2005-04-05" . "2008-04-04" . "No" . . "184476.14"^^ . "EP/C535413/1" . "Announced" . . "Rational Design of Surface through the Quantification of Adhesion: Controlling Cellular Behaviour for Tissue Engineering Applications" . . . . . . "The aim of this work will be to exploit the high surface to volume ratio and unique fluidic properties of micro reactors for the rapid optimisation of a variety of biocatalytic reactions. The micro reactors developed will be used to screen the enzymes in a high throughput manner, in order to investigate what other substrates the enzyme accepts. Many pharmaceutical companies require this methodology for the rapid delivery of semi-optimised biocatalytic processes in the early development of new drugs; this is often the limiting step in the application of biocatalytic reactions. The challenge is to develop a system capable of using enzymes to perform mufti-step reactions in microfluidic channels. This will allow the development of a synthetic toolkit to perform multi-step organic synthesis in a combined catalytic mode, without isolation of intermediates (the cascade principle). This ambitious approach replicates the highly efficient way in which enzymes are utilised within cells, as compared to treating them as individual chemical reagents. The development of a suitable micro reactor for combinatorial biocatalysis would be a significant advance and to achieve this ambition complementary in situ analysis will be vital." . . "2005-12-01" . "2008-11-30" . "No" . . "204984.3076"^^ . "EP/C535502/1" . "Announced" . . "High throughput biocatalytic synthesis and screening in micro reactors" . . . . . . "The proposed programme will investigate the near-surface electronic properties of a range of indium nitride (InN) based materials, including indium gallium nitride (InGaN), indium aluminium nitride (InAIN), and both n- and p-doped InN thin films. This work is both a natural continuation of our successful research programme on the electronic properties of narrow band gap semiconductors surfaces and interfaces and takes our research forward into a new and exciting area, investigating what is considered to be the last unexplored III-V semiconductor material.\rAs a result of the newly discovered narrow band gap of InN in 2002, the ternary alloy, InGaN has a band gap across its composition range that spans the entire optical region from 0.7 to 3.4 eV. This material has the potential to produce solar cells that are much more efficient than the current generation triple junction devices. The development of novel semiconductor devices is intimately related to fundamental investigations of interface physics. With continuing miniaturisation in semiconductor device technology, the interface itself is increasingly becoming the device. To fully realize the potential of InN-based low dimensional devices, understanding of both the surface and interface properties is ess" . "The proposed programme will investigate the near-surface electronic properties of a range of indium nitride (InN) based materials, including indium gallium nitride (InGaN), indium aluminium nitride (InAIN), and both n- and p-doped InN thin films. This work is both a natural continuation of our successful research programme on the electronic properties of narrow band gap semiconductors surfaces and interfaces and takes our research forward into a new and exciting area, investigating what is considered to be the last unexplored III-V semiconductor material.\rAs a result of the newly discovered narrow band gap of InN in 2002, the ternary alloy, InGaN has a band gap across its composition range that spans the entire optical region from 0.7 to 3.4 eV. This material has the potential to produce solar cells that are much more efficient than the current generation triple junction devices. The development of novel semiconductor devices is intimately related to fundamental investigations of interface physics. With continuing miniaturisation in semiconductor device technology, the interface itself is increasingly becoming the device. To fully realize the potential of InN-based low dimensional devices, understanding of both the surface and interface properties is essential. Indeed, recent results have shown that InN also has potential chemical sensing applications, as a result of the change in surface conductivity that has been observed upon exposure of the surface to solvents. Having recently demonstrated the existence of electron accumulation at the InN surface for the first time in collaboration with the Cornell University nitrides research group, we propose to perform a detailed investigation of this phenomenon in a range of InN thin films and related ternary alloys. We will use a novel methodology, combining high-resolution electron-energy-loss spectroscopy with associated semi-classical dielectric theory simulations, charge profile calculations and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for surface chemical analysis. This unique approach allows us to obtain information relating to the band-bending, effective mass, surface state density, and carrier densities in this range of novel materials. This proposal is submitted in parallel with an application to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the USA by Dr. W.J. Schaff of Cornell University to fund the growth of state-of-the-art Indium nitride material, and its related ternary alloys, that are required for the proposed investigations." . . "2005-09-01" . "2008-11-30" . "No" . . "201902.7378"^^ . "EP/C535553/1" . "Announced" . . "NSF: Surface Electronic Properties of Indium Nitride for Potential Device Applications" . . . . . . "Light can be use for imaging in biological systems. This allows us to see inside cells and visualise how proteins for example move around. This may be done by moving a pinhole so we take images on at a time (an optical slice) of the cell in question and build up a picture. Alternatively we can use a intense ligth source that only has enough photon energy at the focus position to excite the material and thus re-emti and give us information. Again we scan the focus position through the cell to get the full 3D image. Light can also do other amazing things at the microscopic scale: it can act like a 'tractor beam' that can hold and move cells in a controlled way. This occurs when the cell bends hr refracts the light causing a change in momentum. The cells changes the mometum of the light and due to Newton's third law the cell moves to the part where the light beam is brightest. Additionally we can use a large pattern of light like a large optical sieve that may select cells we like form a population. This sorting is rather like the motion of a two balls of different size on a corrugated iron roof. One ball might be small enough to fit into the grooves in the roor whereas another ball might be big enough to not really feel the effects of the grooves but rather" . "Light can be use for imaging in biological systems. This allows us to see inside cells and visualise how proteins for example move around. This may be done by moving a pinhole so we take images on at a time (an optical slice) of the cell in question and build up a picture. Alternatively we can use a intense ligth source that only has enough photon energy at the focus position to excite the material and thus re-emti and give us information. Again we scan the focus position through the cell to get the full 3D image. Light can also do other amazing things at the microscopic scale: it can act like a 'tractor beam' that can hold and move cells in a controlled way. This occurs when the cell bends hr refracts the light causing a change in momentum. The cells changes the mometum of the light and due to Newton's third law the cell moves to the part where the light beam is brightest. Additionally we can use a large pattern of light like a large optical sieve that may select cells we like form a population. This sorting is rather like the motion of a two balls of different size on a corrugated iron roof. One ball might be small enough to fit into the grooves in the roor whereas another ball might be big enough to not really feel the effects of the grooves but rather fall down the slope of the roof much more quickly. In essence two cells can do the same thing in a light fields where one responds differently to anther and we can use this to separate away the cells of interest. Finally light can also punch minuscule holes in cells that can allow foreign DNA to enter. The hole then seals itself and we can use this to try and treat cells with new drugs. The aim of the grant is to make a new instrument that for the first time can combine the ability of moving, imaging, sorting and porating cells all in one. This require radical new designs of the optics and combining numerous techniques together. For example the sorting requires a very detailed study of the light pattern ('optical roof') that is right for each of the cell types we wish to study. Then the situation arises as to how we collect these cells and then as to how we hold them how we can image (take optical slices) of the cells interior.\rOnce we build this instrument we will employ it to select cells involved in Alzheimer's disease and study how treating them with various drugs influences them and also we will look a cancer studies where we can select tumour stem cells and study their properties.\rThe instrument will allow biologists and healthcare workers to do" . . "2005-10-01" . "2009-09-30" . "Yes" . . "765009.87"^^ . "EP/C536037/1" . "Announced" . . "Advanced biophotonics workstation" . . . . . . "In the recent past the rapid development of such high technologies as space technology, cryogenic machining, superconductivity and now the booming hydrogen technology has meant that more and more materials need to work under extremely low temperature conditions. For instance stainless steel and titanium are needed where liquid gases (e.g. hydrogen and natural gases) are used for environmentally friendly energy supply and in energy transportation systems at temperatures as low as -196C. Similarly applications in recreational activities like skiing, innovative polymeric materials, especially surface engineered systems with low friction are required for use at more moderate temperatures, circa -50'C.\rIt is known that the mechanical properties of materials are highly temperature dependant and the main technical problem is embrittlement of materials at low temperatures. Recent advances in surface engineering have produced novel stainless steel systems 'S' Phase technology, as well as ceramic coatings for titanium alloys which have excellent friction and wear properties at ambient temperature and in some instances e.g auto engine valves at temperatures as high as 700'C. These surface engineered materials are also promising candidates for cryogenic applications. In the design of such systems involving thin surface layers, knowledge of the nano/micro mechanical and triboligical properties is essential. However no scientific work has been done on the nano impact behaviour and toughness of surface engineered materials in cryogenic environments.\rBecause of the lack of commercially available low temperature instrumentation for tribological and nano mechanical property measurement, researchers often resort to using a home made simple device. For example, one solution is to put the self-made device in a domestic refrigerator. This is for sure to give poor characterisation of surface engineered materials. In addition such simple devices cannot be used to produce accurate basic materials properties such as hardness (H) Young Modulus (E) and H/E for the design and property prediction of advanced surface engineered systems. Therefore it is essential to develop a novel cryo - nanoindentation instrument.\rIn the present research the Joule Thomson (J-T) effect will be employed to provide the basic cryogenic environment. J-T cooling occurs when a nonideal gas expands from a high to low pressure at constant enthalpy. Miniature J.T. refrigerators have been used for several decades, primarily for the cooling of infra detectors" . "In the recent past the rapid development of such high technologies as space technology, cryogenic machining, superconductivity and now the booming hydrogen technology has meant that more and more materials need to work under extremely low temperature conditions. For instance stainless steel and titanium are needed where liquid gases (e.g. hydrogen and natural gases) are used for environmentally friendly energy supply and in energy transportation systems at temperatures as low as -196C. Similarly applications in recreational activities like skiing, innovative polymeric materials, especially surface engineered systems with low friction are required for use at more moderate temperatures, circa -50'C.\rIt is known that the mechanical properties of materials are highly temperature dependant and the main technical problem is embrittlement of materials at low temperatures. Recent advances in surface engineering have produced novel stainless steel systems 'S' Phase technology, as well as ceramic coatings for titanium alloys which have excellent friction and wear properties at ambient temperature and in some instances e.g auto engine valves at temperatures as high as 700'C. These surface engineered materials are also promising candidates for cryogenic applications" . . "2005-10-01" . "2010-03-31" . "Yes" . . "537439.21"^^ . "EP/C536061/1" . "Announced" . . "The Cryogenic Nano Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Bulk and Surface Engineeried Polymeric and Metallic Materials" . . . . . . "Excited State Photoengineering is the creation, by excitation with two ultrashort (0.1 and c.a. 1 picosecond) laser pulses, arrays of fluorescent (light emitting) molecules which, for a short time, behave as 'virtual' crystals. The lifetime of such crystalline states is determined by molecular tumbling (orientational averaging). For small molecules embedded in larger (host) structures such as proteins their internal motions are much faster than those of their host, typically hundreds of picoseconds compared to tens of nanoseconds. So, following laser excitation (PUMP), the host material remains ordered in the laboratory frame of reference in this latter time window. This however is 'slow' in terms of optical pulses and fast electronic detection. We then employ a second laser pulse, the DUMP, created at the same time as the excitation pulse but delayed in time by being made to follow a longer (and controllable) optical path. This is used to select a subset of the excited probe molecules by removing others using stimulated emission (the fundamental process operating in all lasers). We then observe the motion (dynamics) of this subset using either fast fluorescence measurements or via the absorption of a second time delayed (PROBE) laser pulse.\rVirtual crystallography allows us to probe details of molecular structure and dynamics (motion) that are otherwise hidden to current experiments. The preparation of molecular (protein) crystals is difficult and in such structures the molecules are removed from their natural environments.\rThe PUMP and DUMP processes are the crucial preparative steps. Unlike the preparation of ordered samples (e.g. by crystallisation) these are based on the de-excitation of electronically excited molecules. This is achieved by the DUMP stimulating transitions between the initially excited (PUMPED) electronic state of the molecule and 'hot' levels in the ground state (where the molecule's electrons have relaxed but its atoms are vibrating). The DUMP laser pulse must therefore be tailored (i.e. stretched in time) to minimise 'reverse DUMPING' (i.e. repopulation of the excited state) while the DUMPED population cools. The cooling process is molecule (and environment) specific with lifetimes typically between 0.2 and 1 picosecond. In experiments in which there are multiple species of fluorescent molecule present in the host (e.g. two or more naturally occurring fluorescent molecules in a protein) it is crucial that the PUMP pulse differentiates between them. At present we are limited to a" . "Excited State Photoengineering is the creation, by excitation with two ultrashort (0.1 and c.a. 1 picosecond) laser pulses, arrays of fluorescent (light emitting) molecules which, for a short time, behave as 'virtual' crystals. The lifetime of such crystalline states is determined by molecular tumbling (orientational averaging). For small molecules embedded in larger (host) structures such as proteins their internal motions are much faster than those of their host, typically hundreds of picoseconds compared to tens of nanoseconds. So, following laser excitation (PUMP), the host material remains ordered in the laboratory frame of reference in this latter time window. This however is 'slow' in terms of optical pulses and fast electronic detection. We then employ a second laser pulse, the DUMP, created at the same time as the excitation pulse but delayed in time by being made to follow a longer (and controllable) optical path. This is used to select a subset of the excited probe molecules by removing others using stimulated emission (the fundamental process operating in all lasers). We then observe the motion (dynamics) of this subset using either fast fluorescence measurements or via the absorption of a second time delayed (PROBE) laser pulse.\rVirtual crys" . . "2005-04-05" . "2009-10-04" . "Yes" . . "625470.5"^^ . "EP/C536134/1" . "Announced" . . "Excited State Photoengineering: Virtual Crystallography - a New Approach to Spectroscopy, Molecular Dynamics and Structure" . . . . . . "This project will study the fatigue, damping and impact properties of textile composites, as part of collaborative, interdisciplinary activities between six UK and US universities. Materials under consideration include thermoset 2D braids (carbon/glass hybrid with epoxy), thermoplastic 2D braids (carbon/aramid pre-impregnated with PA/TPU matrix), and 3D angle interlock weaves (also pre-impregnated thermoplastic tapes).\rWork at Cranfield will investigate experimentally damage initiation and fatigue properties of damaged composites under novel transient tests and damping properties of undamaged and damaged composites. Experimental optimization of composite parameters (braiding angle, plaque thickness, ratio of carbon/glass tows) for fatigue and damping properties will be undertaken.\rExperimental results will be compared with experimental results from both the UK and US partners.\rPredictive 3D unit cell FE models developed by the University of Nottingham and analytical and FE models developed by the US partner will be validated for novel transient tests by comparison with Cranfield experimental results." . . "2006-04-06" . "2009-10-05" . "No" . . "161819.66"^^ . "EP/C538129/1" . "Announced" . . "NSF: Fatigue, Damping and Impact Properties of Textile Composites" . . . . . . "Venous leg ulcers are the most common type of ulcers and their prevalence increases with age. In the UK alone about 1 % of the adult population suffers from active ulceration during their life time. The total cost to the National Health Service in the UK for venous leg ulcers treatment is about 650 million per annum, which is 1-2% of the total healthcare expenditure. Costs per patient have recently been estimated to be between 1200 and 1400.\rVenous leg ulcers are chronic and there is no medication or surgery to cure the disease other than the compression therapy. A sustained graduated compression mainly enhances the flow of blood back to the heart, improves the functioning of valves and calf muscle pumps, reduces oedema and prevents the swelling of veins. In the UK four layer bandaging system is widely used whilst in Europe and Australia the non-elastic two layer short stretch bandage regime is the standard treatment. Both the two layer and four layer systems require padding bandage that is applied next to the skin and underneath the short stretch or compression bandages.\rIt is generally agreed by the clinicians that four layer bandages are too bulky for patients and the cost involved is high. A wide range of compression bandages is available in the Drug Tariff but each of them has different structure and properties and this influences the variation in performance and properties of bandages. The research carried out at Bolton Institute showed that there are significant variations in properties of commercial padding bandages, more importantly the commercial bandages did not distribute the pressure evenly at the ankle as well as the calf region. When pressure is applied using compression bandages, the structure of the nonwoven padding bandages collapsed and the bandages could not impart cushioning effect to the limb. In view of the above mentioned limitations and problems, it is vital that research and development work should be carried out to design, develop and characterise novel single layer bandages that would effectively fulfil the requirements of both padding and compression bandages.\rIt is recognised that spacer is the right technology to produce novel compression bandages that meet the prerequisites of both ideal padding and compression bandages. In three-dimensional (3D) spacer fabrics, two separate fabric layers are combined with an inner spacer yarn or yarns using either warp knitting or weft knitting route. It is possible to produce low modulus spacer fabrics by making use of elastic yarns. E" . "Venous leg ulcers are the most common type of ulcers and their prevalence increases with age. In the UK alone about 1 % of the adult population suffers from active ulceration during their life time. The total cost to the National Health Service in the UK for venous leg ulcers treatment is about 650 million per annum, which is 1-2% of the total healthcare expenditure. Costs per patient have recently been estimated to be between 1200 and 1400.\rVenous leg ulcers are chronic and there is no medication or surgery to cure the disease other than the compression therapy. A sustained graduated compression mainly enhances the flow of blood back to the heart, improves the functioning of valves and calf muscle pumps, reduces oedema and prevents the swelling of veins. In the UK four layer bandaging system is widely used whilst in Europe and Australia the non-elastic two layer short stretch bandage regime is the standard treatment. Both the two layer and four layer systems require padding bandage that is applied next to the skin and underneath the short stretch or compression bandages.\rIt is generally agreed by the clinicians that four layer bandages are too bulky for patients and the cost involved is high. A wide range of compression bandages is available in the Dru" . . "2005-10-24" . "2009-04-23" . "No" . . "152142.23"^^ . "EP/C538196/1" . "Announced" . . "Design and Development of Novel Compression Therapy Regimes for the Treatment of Venous Leg Ulcers" . . . . . . "We believe that information security is a critical problem in the future development of networking, telecommunications and related information technology.\rInformation security is a critical concern in the development and deployment of information technology. For government, information security concerns are at the heart of the UK's National Health Service information technology initiative and the Home Office's proposal for identity cards. For business, information security is needed for secure financial processing, e-commerce, and, in the form of digital rights management, for the successful distribution of music and video content over the Internet and telephone networks. For citizens, information security manifests itself in concerns over identity theft and privacy.\rInformation security is a critical investment for the UK and all other industrialized countries. The UK is an information society. The use of information technology by citizens, business and government is pervasive. Information security, including computer security, network security, database security, transaction security, authentication, and privacy, is critical to the use of existing systems and the deployment of future systems. Information security is a dynamic research area in which ne" . "We believe that information security is a critical problem in the future development of networking, telecommunications and related information technology.\rInformation security is a critical concern in the development and deployment of information technology. For government, information security concerns are at the heart of the UK's National Health Service information technology initiative and the Home Office's proposal for identity cards. For business, information security is needed for secure financial processing, e-commerce, and, in the form of digital rights management, for the successful distribution of music and video content over the Internet and telephone networks. For citizens, information security manifests itself in concerns over identity theft and privacy.\rInformation security is a critical investment for the UK and all other industrialized countries. The UK is an information society. The use of information technology by citizens, business and government is pervasive. Information security, including computer security, network security, database security, transaction security, authentication, and privacy, is critical to the use of existing systems and the deployment of future systems. Information security is a dynamic research area in which new threats regularly appear and new operating scenarios are proposed. Much like an arms race, threats, counter measures and counter-countermeasures continue to evolve.\rThe appointment of Yvo Desmedt as a professor will permit UCL to increase its research activity in Information Security. In addition to this appointment, in 2002, UCL appointed Ingemar Cox as Professor and Chair of Telecommunications and Director of the Adastral Park Campus. Ingemar Cox is wellknown for his research in digital rights management and particularly digital watermarking. His security interests also encompass steganography (covert communications) and steganalysis (the detection of covert communications). The appointment of Yvo Desmedt compliments Ingemar Cox's research interests and expands UCL's expertise in information security.\rThis year, we also appointed a Lecturer, Shi Zhao, to Adastral Park with expertise in the study of the topology of the Internet. Shi Zhao is now considering how topological studies can be applied to the investigation of how software viruses and worms propagate. Alessio Lomuscio has been appointed a Senior Lecturer at Adastral Park with interests in the specification and verification of multi-agent systems.\rThe formalism of multi-agent systems has succ" . . "2004-08-09" . "2009-08-08" . "Yes" . . "500000.14"^^ . "EP/C538285/1" . "Announced" . . "BT Professor in Information Security" . . . . . . "This work will establish a theoretical underpinning for how cells shape calcium signals in space, time and amplitude using components from a universal signalling toolkit. By considering the combined role of space, noise and heterogeneity in generating the variety of observed calcium signals we will be able to explore the mechanisms which allow a simple ion such as Ca++ to play such a pivotal role in cell biology.\rThe need to make links to experiments forces one to look for cell models that incorporate both the discrete nature of calcium stores and the stochastic nature of calcium release. Work by Coombes on calcium waves in fire-diffuse-fire (FDF) models has focused on the former aspect and has recently been extended to cover the stochastic nature of calcium release. FDF models use a threshold process to mimic the nonlinear properties of Ca++ channels. The stochastic nature of release is incorporated via the introduction of threshold noise. This leads to a model with simple probabilistic update rules for the release of calcium from internal stores. This framework will be extended to include further important aspects of cell physiology known to play an important role in the generation of calcium signals. The development of these mathematical components wi" . "This work will establish a theoretical underpinning for how cells shape calcium signals in space, time and amplitude using components from a universal signalling toolkit. By considering the combined role of space, noise and heterogeneity in generating the variety of observed calcium signals we will be able to explore the mechanisms which allow a simple ion such as Ca++ to play such a pivotal role in cell biology.\rThe need to make links to experiments forces one to look for cell models that incorporate both the discrete nature of calcium stores and the stochastic nature of calcium release. Work by Coombes on calcium waves in fire-diffuse-fire (FDF) models has focused on the former aspect and has recently been extended to cover the stochastic nature of calcium release. FDF models use a threshold process to mimic the nonlinear properties of Ca++ channels. The stochastic nature of release is incorporated via the introduction of threshold noise. This leads to a model with simple probabilistic update rules for the release of calcium from internal stores. This framework will be extended to include further important aspects of cell physiology known to play an important role in the generation of calcium signals. The development of these mathematical components will be guided by experiments being performed by Bootman and colleagues within the molecular signalling group at the Babraham Institute in Cambridge." . . "2006-04-01" . "2009-03-31" . "No" . . "140371.5968"^^ . "EP/C539184/1" . "Announced" . . "A fire-diffuse-fire framework for the functional organisation of cellular calcium signals" . . . . . . "Recent years have seen tremendous advances in the area of organic electronics mainly motivated by their emerging applications in electronic devices. A very important electronic device that is in the heart of today's microelectronic circuits is the transistor since it represents the building block of all everyday electronics. Very recently, organic based transistors also made their debut in a number of electronic devices and can be arguably viewed as possible alternatives to silicon-based devices in a range of low-cost and high-volume applications.\rAlthough recent progress is impressive, use of organic transistors in practical applications is hampered because the minimum requirements (speed, power-dissipation, cost) presently cannot be meet. The proposed work addresses these specific problems using an entirely different approach. We will study the electronic properties of organic semiconductors that are capable of transporting both electrons and holes. These are the so-called ambipolar organic semiconductors. During this fellowship we will develop and advance the knowledge on ambipolar transport in organic semiconductors but we will also exploit and assess various technologically relevant phenomena.\rWe will first study ambipolar transport in a number of" . "Recent years have seen tremendous advances in the area of organic electronics mainly motivated by their emerging applications in electronic devices. A very important electronic device that is in the heart of today's microelectronic circuits is the transistor since it represents the building block of all everyday electronics. Very recently, organic based transistors also made their debut in a number of electronic devices and can be arguably viewed as possible alternatives to silicon-based devices in a range of low-cost and high-volume applications.\rAlthough recent progress is impressive, use of organic transistors in practical applications is hampered because the minimum requirements (speed, power-dissipation, cost) presently cannot be meet. The proposed work addresses these specific problems using an entirely different approach. We will study the electronic properties of organic semiconductors that are capable of transporting both electrons and holes. These are the so-called ambipolar organic semiconductors. During this fellowship we will develop and advance the knowledge on ambipolar transport in organic semiconductors but we will also exploit and assess various technologically relevant phenomena.\rWe will first study ambipolar transport in a number of known ambipolar organic semiconductors through a combination of electrical, structural, chemical and spectroscopic measurements. Understanding the key electronic properties of these materials is essential for the development of improved or new semiconductors that will be subsequently synthesized through collaborations with various chemistry groups. Using the obtained knowledge, we will demonstrate ambipolar organic transistors and, initially, basic logic circuits like voltage inverters. New applications such as light-emitting transistors and sensors are expected to arise as a result of this work. Moreover, understanding ambipolar transport in organic materials is of basic scientific interest and is expected to benefit other scientific disciplines including chemistry and material science." . . "2006-03-31" . "2011-03-30" . "Yes" . . "238760.7"^^ . "EP/C539516/1" . "Announced" . . "Ambipolar Charge Transport in Organic Semiconductors and Devices" . . . . . . "Recent years have seen tremendous advances in the area of organic electronics mainly motivated by their emerging applications in electronic devices. A very important electronic device that is in the heart of today's microelectronic circuits is the transistor since it represents the building block of all everyday electronics. Very recently, organic based transistors also made their debut in a number of electronic devices and can be arguably viewed as possible alternatives to silicon-based devices in a range of low-cost and high-volume applications.\rAlthough recent progress is impressive, use of organic transistors in practical applications is hampered because the minimum requirements (speed, power-dissipation, cost) presently cannot be meet. The proposed work addresses these specific problems using an entirely different approach. We will study the electronic properties of organic semiconductors that are capable of transporting both electrons and holes. These are the so-called ambipolar organic semiconductors. During this fellowship we will develop and advance the knowledge on ambipolar transport in organic semiconductors but we will also exploit and assess various technologically relevant phenomena.\rWe will first study ambipolar transport in a number of known ambipolar organic semiconductors through a combination of electrical, structural, chemical and spectroscopic measurements. Understanding the key electronic properties of these materials is essential for the development of improved or new semiconductors that will be subsequently synthesized through collaborations with various chemistry groups. Using the obtained knowledge, we will demonstrate ambipolar organic transistors and, initially, basic logic circuits like voltage inverters. New applications such as light-emitting transistors and sensors are expected to arise as a result of this work. Moreover, understanding ambipolar transport in organic materials is of basic scientific interest and is expected to benefit other scientific disciplines including chemistry and material science." . "Recent years have seen tremendous advances in the area of organic electronics mainly motivated by their emerging applications in electronic devices. A very important electronic device that is in the heart of today's microelectronic circuits is the transistor since it represents the building block of all everyday electronics. Very recently, organic based transistors also made their debut in a number of electronic devices and can be arguably viewed as possible alternatives to silicon-based devices in a range of low-cost and high-volume applications.\rAlthough recent progress is impressive, use of organic transistors in practical applications is hampered because the minimum requirements (speed, power-dissipation, cost) presently cannot be meet. The proposed work addresses these specific problems using an entirely different approach. We will study the electronic properties of organic semiconductors that are capable of transporting both electrons and holes. These are the so-called ambipolar organic semiconductors. During this fellowship we will develop and advance the knowledge on ambipolar transport in organic semiconductors but we will also exploit and assess various technologically relevant phenomena.\rWe will first study ambipolar transport in a number of" . . "2006-09-01" . "2009-08-31" . "Yes" . . "129961.14"^^ . "EP/C539524/1" . "Announced" . . "Ambipolar Charge Transport in Organic Semiconductors and Devices" . . . . . . "The growing of cells is an increasingly important area of research, with the marked increase in cell based therapeutics. These range from the growth of skin cells for grafting, to stem cells based therapies to the growth of cells for the production of cell derived therapeutics (e.g. antibodies etc.). However not all cells can be conveniently grown, while even those that can, are often difficult to release from the culture surface.\rCells are usually grown on supports, which are coated with a polymer to aid cell binding and growth. However, the discovery of new polymers in this area is limited with little under-standing or optimisation of the specific polymer. What is proposed here is to use high-throughput methods to prepare libraries of polymers (4,000 polymers will be made in the time it usually takes to make 10-20 polymers) and then to look at all the polymers simultaneously. This will be achieved by 'spotting' each of the polymers onto one glass slide (4,000 spots of polymer) and adding cells to this so-called array. In this manner, all 4,000 polymers will be looked at (in one go) and polymers will be identified that are 'cell-friendly' by looking at all 4,000 spots (automatically) to see which support cell growth.\rPolymers can change their properties when cooled down. Therefore, the 4,000 polymers will be treated with cells at 37oC and the polymers identified where cell growth is taking place. The glass slide will then be cooled down and polymers identified that release cells (the so called thermo-responsive polymers). This will therefore allow polymers to be rapidly identified for both cellular compatibility and release. Cells to be studied will include stem cells as well as cells that are traditionally difficult to culture." . "The growing of cells is an increasingly important area of research, with the marked increase in cell based therapeutics. These range from the growth of skin cells for grafting, to stem cells based therapies to the growth of cells for the production of cell derived therapeutics (e.g. antibodies etc.). However not all cells can be conveniently grown, while even those that can, are often difficult to release from the culture surface.\rCells are usually grown on supports, which are coated with a polymer to aid cell binding and growth. However, the discovery of new polymers in this area is limited with little under-standing or optimisation of the specific polymer. What is proposed here is to use high-throughput methods to prepare libraries of polymers (4,000 polymers will be made in the time it usually takes to make 10-20 polymers) and then to look at all the polymers simultaneously. This will be achieved by 'spotting' each of the polymers onto one glass slide (4,000 spots of polymer) and adding cells to this so-called array. In this manner, all 4,000 polymers will be looked at (in one go) and polymers will be identified that are 'cell-friendly' by looking at all 4,000 spots (automatically) to see which support cell growth.\rPolymers can change their propertie" . . "2006-02-01" . "2009-01-31" . "No" . . "269228.483"^^ . "EP/C54112X/1" . "Announced" . . "Biocompatible Polymer Micro-Arrays for Cellular Growth, Stem Cell Manipulation, Cellular Release and Identification and High-Content Screening" . . . . . . "It is very difficult to get materials into cells, especially into skin cells as by its very nature skin forms a defensive barrier. We have designed and built some, small, simple molecules that act as Trojan Horses, thereby allowing compounds to enter into a variety of cells. Using these Trojan Horses we will deliver into cells compounds that do not normally get into cells and which will have a biological effect on the cell. This will include some DNA like molecules which we will use to switch off genes (antisense type molecules) as well as delivering into cells a variety of proteins or enzymes and peptides that help regulate a variety of processes inside cells. This will allow the fundamental ability of these Trojan Horses to be fully accessed in a number of areas and optimised for efficient up-take. To maximise the potential of this technology we will exploit so called micro-array techniques, which allow us to efficiently identify the most potent delivery agents from thousands of potential compounds (finding the needle in the hay-stack).\rWe have also designed a number of small beads (1-3 microns in size, about one thousand times smaller than a millimetre) that are taken up into cells. This allows chemical sensors to be placed on the beads and therefore" . "It is very difficult to get materials into cells, especially into skin cells as by its very nature skin forms a defensive barrier. We have designed and built some, small, simple molecules that act as Trojan Horses, thereby allowing compounds to enter into a variety of cells. Using these Trojan Horses we will deliver into cells compounds that do not normally get into cells and which will have a biological effect on the cell. This will include some DNA like molecules which we will use to switch off genes (antisense type molecules) as well as delivering into cells a variety of proteins or enzymes and peptides that help regulate a variety of processes inside cells. This will allow the fundamental ability of these Trojan Horses to be fully accessed in a number of areas and optimised for efficient up-take. To maximise the potential of this technology we will exploit so called micro-array techniques, which allow us to efficiently identify the most potent delivery agents from thousands of potential compounds (finding the needle in the hay-stack).\rWe have also designed a number of small beads (1-3 microns in size, about one thousand times smaller than a millimetre) that are taken up into cells. This allows chemical sensors to be placed on the beads and therefore allows processes inside the cell to be followed in real time (an analogy is a thermostat (= bead) inside a house (= cell)). There are many avenues that can then be explored in this project with these beads. For example if these beads are made magnetic then only cells carrying the beads will be manipulated by magnetic field. One application will be to label definers and then localise them magnetically. Beads can be made with different colours and this will allow cells to be labelled (and sorted) with different coloured beads inside. These beads also can be used as carrier devices, allowing materials to be taken into cells and then released from the beads to carryout a specific biological function." . . "2005-09-01" . "2010-08-31" . "Yes" . . "418096.3768"^^ . "EP/C54157X/1" . "Announced" . . "Platform: High - Throughput Chemical Biology for Efficient Cellular Delivery" . . . . . . "1. To experimentally determine the strain rate sensitivity of notched, fibre reinforced composites through tensile tests 2. To develop finite element modelling techniques to predict the sub-critical damage at high strain rate 3. To observe the sub-critical damage development in notched glass fibre reinforced specimens 4. To characterise the damage process and compare results to quasi-static tests\r5. To compare numerical and experimental results and investigate the interaction of different damage modes\rNotches or holes are required in nearly all aircraft structures for fasteners, access and weight saving. The presence of such notches significantly reduce the load carrying capability of the material. This reduction affects all types of materials but in composites (e.g. carbon fibre reinforced plastic) the damage process is considerably more complex than in other engineering materials. This is because there are many different ways that a composite can fail since it is made up from layers of fibres embedded in a matrix material. The interaction of the different failure mechanisms affects the overall strength of the material, especially when there is a hole in it.\rIn aircraft design it is necessary for the safety of the aircraft to ensure that the worst case is always considered. If for example the material was weaker when it was loaded very quickly then this would have to be taken into account in the design if it was possible that such loading could occur. High speed loading can indeed occur through impact with runway debris, birds or ballistics. Whilst the effect of high speed loading on composite materials has been extensively researched, very little is known about the effect of such loading when there is a hole in the material. This work aims to address that shortfall in knowledge to ensure safety in design.\rThis is to be accomplished by testing different composite materials with and without holes at a variety of loading rates up to very high speed using specially designed equipment. This will generate useful data about what is happening around the hole and a better understanding of the complex damage modes which occur. Because such testing is expensive to carry out, computer models which can predict the damage are very useful. A model will be developed which will take account of the complexities of the damage and their interaction under high speed loading." . "1. To experimentally determine the strain rate sensitivity of notched, fibre reinforced composites through tensile tests 2. To develop finite element modelling techniques to predict the sub-critical damage at high strain rate 3. To observe the sub-critical damage development in notched glass fibre reinforced specimens 4. To characterise the damage process and compare results to quasi-static tests\r5. To compare numerical and experimental results and investigate the interaction of different damage modes\rNotches or holes are required in nearly all aircraft structures for fasteners, access and weight saving. The presence of such notches significantly reduce the load carrying capability of the material. This reduction affects all types of materials but in composites (e.g. carbon fibre reinforced plastic) the damage process is considerably more complex than in other engineering materials. This is because there are many different ways that a composite can fail since it is made up from layers of fibres embedded in a matrix material. The interaction of the different failure mechanisms affects the overall strength of the material, especially when there is a hole in it.\rIn aircraft design it is necessary for the safety of the aircraft to ensure that the worst cas" . . "2006-01-01" . "2008-09-30" . "No" . . "125060.9"^^ . "EP/C542029/1" . "Announced" . . "Effect of High Strain Rates on Notch Sensitivity in Composite Materials" . . . . . . "The importance of light cannot be overstated: it allows us to see the beauty of the world around us, and supplies the energy to our planet that supports all life. It is used in countless ways in our everyday lives - to display information on computer screens or televisions, to read and write compact discs, and to carry telephone calls and internet data along optical fibres. Optoelectronics involves the study of materials and devices using light in combination with electricity. The purpose of this application is to develop a new generation of optoelectronic materials and devices. Currently most optoelectronic materials are rigid, brittle inorganic materials. This proposal will instead focus on plastic-like organic materials which can be readily dissolved and deposited in simple ways, such as by ink jet printing, to make transistors, light-emitting diodes and lasers. Remarkable progress has been made in developing these materials for display applications with commercial products available, and flat flexible screens very close.\rThe development of these displays has led to major improvements in materials and our understanding of them, so that there are now many new opportunities and application areas. As a senior fellow I would be freed from a heavy teaching" . "The importance of light cannot be overstated: it allows us to see the beauty of the world around us, and supplies the energy to our planet that supports all life. It is used in countless ways in our everyday lives - to display information on computer screens or televisions, to read and write compact discs, and to carry telephone calls and internet data along optical fibres. Optoelectronics involves the study of materials and devices using light in combination with electricity. The purpose of this application is to develop a new generation of optoelectronic materials and devices. Currently most optoelectronic materials are rigid, brittle inorganic materials. This proposal will instead focus on plastic-like organic materials which can be readily dissolved and deposited in simple ways, such as by ink jet printing, to make transistors, light-emitting diodes and lasers. Remarkable progress has been made in developing these materials for display applications with commercial products available, and flat flexible screens very close.\rThe development of these displays has led to major improvements in materials and our understanding of them, so that there are now many new opportunities and application areas. As a senior fellow I would be freed from a heavy teaching and administration load to pursue the most exciting of these opportunities. The work I would undertake can be divided into three main areas. The first is advanced materials, and will involve the development of snowflake shaped molecules called dendrimers. These materials have been extremely successful for display applications, and now have great potential for applications in solar cells, digital cameras, lasers and optical amplifiers. The second major area of research involves the development of advanced lasers and optical amplifiers using organic materials, and exploration of using these devices to allow one light pulse to switch another. These devices could be used in communication systems and would be compatible with plastic optical fibre. The last major area I plan to explore is medical applications of the materials. In particular light is used in the treatment of a large number of diseases including skin cancer, which is the most common cancer. In collaboration with the Photobiology Unit at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, I will explore using organic semiconductors to give a new and much more convenient way of treating skin cancer." . . "2006-03-01" . "2011-02-28" . "Yes" . . "345848.21"^^ . "EP/C542398/1" . "Announced" . . "Advanced Organic Optoelectronic Materials and Devices" . . . . . . "The importance of light cannot be overstated: it allows us to see the beauty of the world around us, and supplies the energy to our planet that supports all life. It is used in countless ways in our everyday lives - to display information on computer screens or televisions, to read and write compact discs, and to carry telephone calls and internet data along optical fibres. Optoelectronics involves the study of materials and devices using light in combination with electricity. The purpose of this application is to develop a new generation of optoelectronic materials and devices. Currently most optoelectronic materials are rigid, brittle inorganic materials. This proposal will instead focus on plastic-like organic materials which can be readily dissolved and deposited in simple ways, such as by ink jet printing, to make transistors, light-emitting diodes and lasers. Remarkable progress has been made in developing these materials for display applications with commercial products available, and flat flexible screens very close.\rThe development of these displays has led to major improvements in materials and our understanding of them, so that there are now many new opportunities and application areas. As a senior fellow I would be freed from a heavy teaching and administration load to pursue the most exciting of these opportunities. The work I would undertake can be divided into three main areas. The first is advanced materials, and will involve the development of snowflake shaped molecules called dendrimers. These materials have been extremely successful for display applications, and now have great potential for applications in solar cells, digital cameras, lasers and optical amplifiers. The second major area of research involves the development of advanced lasers and optical amplifiers using organic materials, and exploration of using these devices to allow one light pulse to switch another. These devices could be used in communication systems and would be compatible with plastic optical fibre. The last major area I plan to explore is medical applications of the materials. In particular light is used in the treatment of a large number of diseases including skin cancer, which is the most common cancer. In collaboration with the Photobiology Unit at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, I will explore using organic semiconductors to give a new and much more convenient way of treating skin cancer." . "The importance of light cannot be overstated: it allows us to see the beauty of the world around us, and supplies the energy to our planet that supports all life. It is used in countless ways in our everyday lives - to display information on computer screens or televisions, to read and write compact discs, and to carry telephone calls and internet data along optical fibres. Optoelectronics involves the study of materials and devices using light in combination with electricity. The purpose of this application is to develop a new generation of optoelectronic materials and devices. Currently most optoelectronic materials are rigid, brittle inorganic materials. This proposal will instead focus on plastic-like organic materials which can be readily dissolved and deposited in simple ways, such as by ink jet printing, to make transistors, light-emitting diodes and lasers. Remarkable progress has been made in developing these materials for display applications with commercial products available, and flat flexible screens very close.\rThe development of these displays has led to major improvements in materials and our understanding of them, so that there are now many new opportunities and application areas. As a senior fellow I would be freed from a heavy teaching" . . "2007-01-01" . "2009-12-31" . "Yes" . . "219799.1458"^^ . "EP/C542401/1" . "Announced" . . "Advanced Organic Optoelectronic Materials and Devices" . . . . . . "The earths surface temperature has risen over the last century and appears to be facing a continued rapid warming. It is generally accepted that this increase in surface temperature is, at least in part, from human activities. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which release carbon dioxide (CO2) and other substances known as greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, is thought to be the main cause of this warming. As the atmosphere becomes richer in these gases, it becomes a better insulator, retaining more of the heat provided to the planet by the Sun. With the increasing rate of emission of C02 into the atmosphere the chance of significant environmental and social damage increases. A rise in sea level over the next century, as a result of the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, will lead to flooding some coastal regions and even entire islands. The potential consequences of global warming are so great that international cooperation and immediate action is required, such as the Kyoto Protocol, to counteract the problem.\rThe worlds demand and use of energy, such as electricity, will continue to increase steadily over the next 30 years. The majority of which will come from developing countries. With no competitive alternative to fossil fuels currently available they will continue to dominate global energy use, ultimately leading to increased C02 emissions. Until new, advanced technologies are developed for energy production, carbon capture and storage technologies are required. These will allow fossil fuels to be burned without emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Carbon capture and storage involves the removal of C02 from large sources of the gas, such as fossil fuel burning power stations, for storage underground in, for example, depleted oil traps. If C02 storage in geological formations is going to play a major role it needs to be in place by 2020, with demo plants operating from 2012-2013.\rThe current technology, use of solutions of chemical compounds called amines, has a dominant position in natural gas and refinery gas treatment. However, the technique has a number of shortcomings for treating flue gases. The corrosive nature of the adsorbents, and energy intensive process of recovery of C02 make the technique very costly and inefficient.\rTo overcome the problems associated with current C02 capture techniques, this research project involves the creation of a new generation of adsorbents - solids that can 'soak up' CO2 - to be used in power plants. Research wi" . "The earths surface temperature has risen over the last century and appears to be facing a continued rapid warming. It is generally accepted that this increase in surface temperature is, at least in part, from human activities. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which release carbon dioxide (CO2) and other substances known as greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, is thought to be the main cause of this warming. As the atmosphere becomes richer in these gases, it becomes a better insulator, retaining more of the heat provided to the planet by the Sun. With the increasing rate of emission of C02 into the atmosphere the chance of significant environmental and social damage increases. A rise in sea level over the next century, as a result of the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, will lead to flooding some coastal regions and even entire islands. The potential consequences of global warming are so great that international cooperation and immediate action is required, such as the Kyoto Protocol, to counteract the problem.\rThe worlds demand and use of energy, such as electricity, will continue to increase steadily over the next 30 years. The majority of which will come from developing countries. With no competitive alternative" . . "2005-10-01" . "2010-09-30" . "Yes" . . "208610.16"^^ . "EP/C543203/1" . "Announced" . . "Developing Effective Adsorbent Technology for the Capture of CO2" . . . . . . "GaN-based optoelectronic devices have been a topic of intense research due to the wide range of applications, including short wavelength laser diodes for next generation digital versatile disk (DVD), blue/green light emitting diodes for large scale full-color displays and solid state lighting as, ultraviolet light emitting diodes for biology, chemistry and environmental protection and photodetectors for fame and heat sensors monitor. For example, the storage capacity of GaN-based DVD is about four time higher than that of currently used GaAs-DVD. The popularly used incandescent lamp can be replaced by GaN-based solidstate lighting, which can greatly save energy and have a much longer life-time. However, due to the limits of the current technology, it is becoming more difficult to continuously improve the performance of the existing GaN-based optoelectronics. Therefore, it is very interesting to develop low dimensional GaN-based optoelectronics, such as GaN quantum dot based optoelectronic since improved performance is theoretically expected.\rThe proposed programme undertakes a study of the formation, structure and optical properties of nitride quantum dots, and their application to optoelectroic devices: light emitting diodes, laser diodes and photodetec" . "GaN-based optoelectronic devices have been a topic of intense research due to the wide range of applications, including short wavelength laser diodes for next generation digital versatile disk (DVD), blue/green light emitting diodes for large scale full-color displays and solid state lighting as, ultraviolet light emitting diodes for biology, chemistry and environmental protection and photodetectors for fame and heat sensors monitor. For example, the storage capacity of GaN-based DVD is about four time higher than that of currently used GaAs-DVD. The popularly used incandescent lamp can be replaced by GaN-based solidstate lighting, which can greatly save energy and have a much longer life-time. However, due to the limits of the current technology, it is becoming more difficult to continuously improve the performance of the existing GaN-based optoelectronics. Therefore, it is very interesting to develop low dimensional GaN-based optoelectronics, such as GaN quantum dot based optoelectronic since improved performance is theoretically expected.\rThe proposed programme undertakes a study of the formation, structure and optical properties of nitride quantum dots, and their application to optoelectroic devices: light emitting diodes, laser diodes and photodetectors in the region from ultraviolet to blue. The programme will be carried out in Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, the University of Sheffield and will develop state-of-the-art technologies for fabrication of above mentioned GaN-based devices with highly improved performance." . . "2005-12-01" . "2010-11-30" . "Yes" . . "306412.46"^^ . "EP/C543513/1" . "Announced" . . "Growth, fabrication and physical properties of nitride quantum dot based optical devices: light emitting diodes, laser diodes and photodetectors" . . . . . . "GaN-based optoelectronic devices have been a topic of intense research due to the wide range of applications, including short wavelength laser diodes for next generation digital versatile disk (DVD), blue/green light emitting diodes for large scale full-color displays and solid state lighting as, ultraviolet light emitting diodes for biology, chemistry and environmental protection and photodetectors for fame and heat sensors monitor. For example, the storage capacity of GaN-based DVD is about four time higher than that of currently used GaAs-DVD. The popularly used incandescent lamp can be replaced by GaN-based solidstate lighting, which can greatly save energy and have a much longer life-time. However, due to the limits of the current technology, it is becoming more difficult to continuously improve the performance of the existing GaN-based optoelectronics. Therefore, it is very interesting to develop low dimensional GaN-based optoelectronics, such as GaN quantum dot based optoelectronic since improved performance is theoretically expected.\rThe proposed programme undertakes a study of the formation, structure and optical properties of nitride quantum dots, and their application to optoelectroic devices: light emitting diodes, laser diodes and photodetec" . "GaN-based optoelectronic devices have been a topic of intense research due to the wide range of applications, including short wavelength laser diodes for next generation digital versatile disk (DVD), blue/green light emitting diodes for large scale full-color displays and solid state lighting as, ultraviolet light emitting diodes for biology, chemistry and environmental protection and photodetectors for fame and heat sensors monitor. For example, the storage capacity of GaN-based DVD is about four time higher than that of currently used GaAs-DVD. The popularly used incandescent lamp can be replaced by GaN-based solidstate lighting, which can greatly save energy and have a much longer life-time. However, due to the limits of the current technology, it is becoming more difficult to continuously improve the performance of the existing GaN-based optoelectronics. Therefore, it is very interesting to develop low dimensional GaN-based optoelectronics, such as GaN quantum dot based optoelectronic since improved performance is theoretically expected.\rThe proposed programme undertakes a study of the formation, structure and optical properties of nitride quantum dots, and their application to optoelectroic devices: light emitting diodes, laser diodes and photodetectors in the region from ultraviolet to blue. The programme will be carried out in Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, the University of Sheffield and will develop state-of-the-art technologies for fabrication of above mentioned GaN-based devices with highly improved performance." . . "2006-02-01" . "2009-07-31" . "No" . . "110472.054"^^ . "EP/C543521/1" . "Announced" . . "Growth, fabrication and physical properties of nitride quantum dot based optical devices: light emitting diodes, laser diodes and photodetectors" . . . . . . "In nature, biological materials are continuously formed, remodelled and destroyed by a variety of biomolecules, which cells produce for accomplishing specific targets. In their activity, these biomolecules respond to and influence the surrounding environment. Specifically, biochemicals and materials influence each other's activity bidirectionally; for example, cells migrate through solid tissues by destroying the extracellular matrix through the action of enzymes; however, the production of these enzymes is modulated by a number of factors, part of which are released by the matrix during its degradation. After migration has taken place, a new matrix may be laid down; this action is not necessarily performed by the same kind of cells: e.g. in bone there are cells specialized in matrix destruction (osteoclasts), while others care of matrix deposition (osteoblasts). In the vast majority of cases, a range of different enzymes are employed for remodelling (degrading, producing, transforming) materials and modulating their activity.\rThe present proposal deals with the molecular design of new materials for biomedical applications. Specifically, we target materials in the form of soft solids (hydrogels) or colloids (objects with sub-micron dimensions), which can be used for replacing missing tissues, releasing pharmacologically active compounds and, in a broader picture, promote regeneration phenomena.\r\rIn these areas there is a specific need of developing materials with more controlled interactions with the biological environment. Inspired by natural biomaterials, we aim to provide bioresponsive and/or biomimetic character to them in each phase of their application: formation, activity and degradation.\r\rMore in particular, we target biocompatible materials with specific functions that, in response to biological stimuli or mimicking biological processes, a) can be formed at the site of application, b) provide a specific activity and c) are finally degraded to non-toxic, excretable products, for possibly being replaced by natural, functional tissues.\r\rAs a common denominator, most generally we will be focusing on the use of enzymes, either for providing our materials with responsiveness to enzymes occurring in the conditions of application, or for conferring to them a specific biomimetic function based on enzymatic acitivity." . "In nature, biological materials are continuously formed, remodelled and destroyed by a variety of biomolecules, which cells produce for accomplishing specific targets. In their activity, these biomolecules respond to and influence the surrounding environment. Specifically, biochemicals and materials influence each other's activity bidirectionally; for example, cells migrate through solid tissues by destroying the extracellular matrix through the action of enzymes; however, the production of these enzymes is modulated by a number of factors, part of which are released by the matrix during its degradation. After migration has taken place, a new matrix may be laid down; this action is not necessarily performed by the same kind of cells: e.g. in bone there are cells specialized in matrix destruction (osteoclasts), while others care of matrix deposition (osteoblasts). In the vast majority of cases, a range of different enzymes are employed for remodelling (degrading, producing, transforming) materials and modulating their activity.\rThe present proposal deals with the molecular design of new materials for biomedical applications. Specifically, we target materials in the form of soft solids (hydrogels) or colloids (objects with sub-micron dimensions), which can" . . "2005-10-01" . "2010-09-30" . "Yes" . . "308220.95"^^ . "EP/C543564/1" . "Announced" . . "Biomimetic and Bioresponsive Formation, Activity and Degradation (BBFAD) of Biomedical Materials" . . . . . . "In nature, biological materials are continuously formed, remodelled and destroyed by a variety of biomolecules, which cells produce for accomplishing specific targets. In their activity, these biomolecules respond to and influence the surrounding environment. Specifically, biochemicals and materials influence each other's activity bidirectionally; for example, cells migrate through solid tissues by destroying destroying, the extracellular matrix through the action of enzymes; however, the production of these enzymes is modulated by a number of factors, part of which are released by the matrix during its degradation. After migration has taken place, a new matrix may be laid down; this action is not necessarily performed by the same kind of cells: e.g. in bone there are cells specialized in matrix destruction (osteoclasts), while others care of matrix deposition (osteoblasts). In the vast majority of cases, a range of different enzymes are employed for remodelling (degrading, producing, transforming) materials and modulating their activity.\rThe present proposal deals with the molecular design of new materials for biomedical applications. Specifically, we target materials in the form of soft solids (hydrogels) or colloids (objects with sub-micron dimension" . "In nature, biological materials are continuously formed, remodelled and destroyed by a variety of biomolecules, which cells produce for accomplishing specific targets. In their activity, these biomolecules respond to and influence the surrounding environment. Specifically, biochemicals and materials influence each other's activity bidirectionally; for example, cells migrate through solid tissues by destroying destroying, the extracellular matrix through the action of enzymes; however, the production of these enzymes is modulated by a number of factors, part of which are released by the matrix during its degradation. After migration has taken place, a new matrix may be laid down; this action is not necessarily performed by the same kind of cells: e.g. in bone there are cells specialized in matrix destruction (osteoclasts), while others care of matrix deposition (osteoblasts). In the vast majority of cases, a range of different enzymes are employed for remodelling (degrading, producing, transforming) materials and modulating their activity.\rThe present proposal deals with the molecular design of new materials for biomedical applications. Specifically, we target materials in the form of soft solids (hydrogels) or colloids (objects with sub-micron dimensions), which can be used for replacing missing tissues, releasing pharmacologically active compounds and, in a broader picture, promote regeneration phenomena.\r\rIn these areas there is a specific need of developing materials with more controlled interactions with the biological environment. Inspired by natural biomaterials, we aim to provide bioresponsive and/or biomimetic character to them in each phase of their application: formation, activity and degradation.\r\rMore in particular, we target biocompatible materials with specific functions that, in response to biological stimuli or mimicking biological processes, a) can be formed at the site of application, b) provide a specific activity and c) are finally degraded to non-toxic, excretable products, for possibly being replaced by natural, functional tissues.\r\rAs a common denominator, most generally we will be focusing on the use of enzymes, either for providing our materials with responsiveness to enzymes occurring in the conditions of application, or for conferring to them a specific biomimetic function based on enzymatic acitivity." . . "2006-03-31" . "2009-09-29" . "Yes" . . "358825.33"^^ . "EP/C543572/1" . "Announced" . . "Biomimetic and Bioresponsive Formation, Activity and Degradation (BBFAD) of Biomedical Materials" . . . . . . "The Heriot-Watt MBE group is currently the only group in the UK growing II-VI semiconductors. These include materials such as MgS, which is produced in only one other laboratory, and MnS and CrS, which are currently made nowhere else. MgS in particular is a material with an interesting set of properties which mean that it has attracted interest from several other research groups.\rWe can produce enough material to satisfy our current needs, but have no capacity to supply other groups or develop collaborations. This proposal aims to remedy that by replacing a growth chamber on the MBE system that is obsolete by a new one and upgrading some of the equipment on the system. At the same time, it will be convenient to make minor repairs to the sample transport mechanism. The result of these improvements will be that Heriot Watt will have two fully functioning growth chambers capable of producing more material and a wider range of structures than is currently possible." . . "2005-06-01" . "2006-11-30" . "No" . . "297250.755"^^ . "EP/C543777/1" . "Announced" . . "MBE System for Growth of Metastable Sulphides" . . . . . . "This proposal is multi-faceted with an overall aim to investigate novel routes to porous inorganic scaffolds composed of organized nanoparticles (calcium phosphate, Ag, iron oxide) by methods that give good yields at low cost and use processes suitable for industrial production. The materials produced have potential use in biomedicine and fuel-cell catalysis for energy production. The proposed work is timely in that it addresses the immediate problems of quality of life for the aging population, antibiotic drug resistance and energy production from fuel cells. The methodologies proposed use either very recent or new innovations and techniques and involve materials at the nano and macroscale.\rMajor project\rThe conventional medical technique of bone grafting is set to be replaced by use of shaped living bone that is composed of the patient's cells and produced by stem cell seeding of porous bioceramic scaffolds. Soon there will be a large requirement for scaffolds with specific porosity, strength and composition. Also, there is an urgent need for the preparation of porous scaffolds of calcium phosphate composed of crystals loaded with drugs for treatment of bone diseases or infection. Current techniques have relied on taking bone from other locations on the patient or from other biological sources, both of which have major drawbacks. Synthetic preparations of porous bodies have relied on heating of ceramic mixtures to high temperatures with a sacrificial organic material as porogen. Thus the use of cold isostatic pressing (CIP) of nanocrystalline materials together with a sacrificial polymer template to provide porosity is proposed. This technique will allow nanocrystalline porous bodies to be formed with a larger and more biologically active surface, with controlled porosity and composition, and in good yield. As heating can be avoided, bone promoting chemicals or drugs can be loaded onto the nanocrystals during preparations. The project will use a small-scale laboratory press that is potentially easy to scale up for large-scale production. It is not yet well understood how CIP can form strong materials without alteration of the size and shape of nanocrystal components. Thus the mechanism by which high strength biomaterials materials are obtained in this project will be investigated by TEM, electron diffraction, FEG-SEM and AFM.\rRelated projects\rUse of percutaneous tubing, i.e. tubing that enters the body, in medical applications is associated with serious problems of infection. Silver is known to have" . "This proposal is multi-faceted with an overall aim to investigate novel routes to porous inorganic scaffolds composed of organized nanoparticles (calcium phosphate, Ag, iron oxide) by methods that give good yields at low cost and use processes suitable for industrial production. The materials produced have potential use in biomedicine and fuel-cell catalysis for energy production. The proposed work is timely in that it addresses the immediate problems of quality of life for the aging population, antibiotic drug resistance and energy production from fuel cells. The methodologies proposed use either very recent or new innovations and techniques and involve materials at the nano and macroscale.\rMajor project\rThe conventional medical technique of bone grafting is set to be replaced by use of shaped living bone that is composed of the patient's cells and produced by stem cell seeding of porous bioceramic scaffolds. Soon there will be a large requirement for scaffolds with specific porosity, strength and composition. Also, there is an urgent need for the preparation of porous scaffolds of calcium phosphate composed of crystals loaded with drugs for treatment of bone diseases or infection. Current techniques have relied on taking bone from other locations on t" . . . "2005-07-01" . "2010-06-30" . "Yes" . . "289251.59"^^ . "EP/C544803/1" . "Announced" . . "Novel Routes to Porous Ceramic Scaffolds by Use of Cold Isostatic Pressing and Polymer Templating" . . . . . . "This proposal is multi-faceted with an overall aim to investigate novel routes to porous inorganic scaffolds composed of organized nanoparticles (calcium phosphate, Ag, iron oxide) by methods that give good yields at low cost and use processes suitable for industrial production. The materials produced have potential use in biomedicine and fuel-cell catalysis for energy production. The proposed work is timely in that it addresses the immediate problems of quality of life for the aging population, antibiotic drug resistance and energy production from fuel cells. The methodologies proposed use either very recent or new innovations and techniques and involve materials at the nano and macroscale.\rMajor project\rThe conventional medical technique of bone grafting is set to be replaced by use of shaped living bone that is composed of the patient's cells and produced by stem cell seeding of porous bioceramic scaffolds. Soon there will be a large requirement for scaffolds with specific porosity, strength and composition. Also, there is an urgent need for the preparation of porous scaffolds of calcium phosphate composed of crystals loaded with drugs for treatment of bone diseases or infection. Current techniques have relied on taking bone from other locations on t" . "This proposal is multi-faceted with an overall aim to investigate novel routes to porous inorganic scaffolds composed of organized nanoparticles (calcium phosphate, Ag, iron oxide) by methods that give good yields at low cost and use processes suitable for industrial production. The materials produced have potential use in biomedicine and fuel-cell catalysis for energy production. The proposed work is timely in that it addresses the immediate problems of quality of life for the aging population, antibiotic drug resistance and energy production from fuel cells. The methodologies proposed use either very recent or new innovations and techniques and involve materials at the nano and macroscale.\rMajor project\rThe conventional medical technique of bone grafting is set to be replaced by use of shaped living bone that is composed of the patient's cells and produced by stem cell seeding of porous bioceramic scaffolds. Soon there will be a large requirement for scaffolds with specific porosity, strength and composition. Also, there is an urgent need for the preparation of porous scaffolds of calcium phosphate composed of crystals loaded with drugs for treatment of bone diseases or infection. Current techniques have relied on taking bone from other locations on the patient or from other biological sources, both of which have major drawbacks. Synthetic preparations of porous bodies have relied on heating of ceramic mixtures to high temperatures with a sacrificial organic material as porogen. Thus the use of cold isostatic pressing (CIP) of nanocrystalline materials together with a sacrificial polymer template to provide porosity is proposed. This technique will allow nanocrystalline porous bodies to be formed with a larger and more biologically active surface, with controlled porosity and composition, and in good yield. As heating can be avoided, bone promoting chemicals or drugs can be loaded onto the nanocrystals during preparations. The project will use a small-scale laboratory press that is potentially easy to scale up for large-scale production. It is not yet well understood how CIP can form strong materials without alteration of the size and shape of nanocrystal components. Thus the mechanism by which high strength biomaterials materials are obtained in this project will be investigated by TEM, electron diffraction, FEG-SEM and AFM.\rRelated projects\rUse of percutaneous tubing, i.e. tubing that enters the body, in medical applications is associated with serious problems of infection. Silver is known to have" . . . "2005-09-01" . "2008-08-31" . "No" . . "138512.8136"^^ . "EP/C544811/1" . "Announced" . . "Novel Routes to Porous Ceramic Scaffolds by Use of Cold Isostatic Pressing and Polymer Templating" . . . . . . "The 'plastic age' dominates to such on extent that it is hard to consider life without them; their manufacture is o growth industry with worldwide production exceeding 150 million tons per year. However, the most common feedstocks used to make them ore fossil fuels with around 7% of worldwide oil and gas being consumed in plastics production. Such resources, although technically renewable, ore estimated to be depleted in the next hundred years. The disposal of waste plastics also poses problems as the majority (>90%) go into landfill sites where they ore bulky and pervasive. There is on urgent need, and considerable economic, legislative and consumer pressure to develop sustainable ways to make useful plastic materials that con be easily recycled or biodegraded. This research addresses these important challenges in two complimentary research areas: (1) the use of carbon dioxide to make polycarbonates and (2) the use of lactic acid to make polyesters. The product polymers, polycarbonates and polyesters, con be recycled under mild conditions and ore also biodegradable. They ore currently used in specialist applications, including increasing demand for them in the high-value, high-growth medical and biological fields where their in vivo biodegradation suits" . "The 'plastic age' dominates to such on extent that it is hard to consider life without them; their manufacture is o growth industry with worldwide production exceeding 150 million tons per year. However, the most common feedstocks used to make them ore fossil fuels with around 7% of worldwide oil and gas being consumed in plastics production. Such resources, although technically renewable, ore estimated to be depleted in the next hundred years. The disposal of waste plastics also poses problems as the majority (>90%) go into landfill sites where they ore bulky and pervasive. There is on urgent need, and considerable economic, legislative and consumer pressure to develop sustainable ways to make useful plastic materials that con be easily recycled or biodegraded. This research addresses these important challenges in two complimentary research areas: (1) the use of carbon dioxide to make polycarbonates and (2) the use of lactic acid to make polyesters. The product polymers, polycarbonates and polyesters, con be recycled under mild conditions and ore also biodegradable. They ore currently used in specialist applications, including increasing demand for them in the high-value, high-growth medical and biological fields where their in vivo biodegradation suits their use as drug delivery vehicles, resorbable sutures, stents and matrices for tissue engineering. Their widespread application in o range of consumer products, including in packaging and fibres, as well as their importance in emerging medical markets, for example in controlling cell growth and Medical imaging, is dependent upon lowering their production costs and in tuning their properties.\rCarbon dioxide is on attractive feedstock since it is abundant, inexpensive, non toxic and non-flammable. Its activation and application as o carbon source has been under developed and we will address this by the use of bimetallic iron and zinc catalysts. These novel catalysts ore targeted for their low toxicity, ready availability, cost effectiveness and their structures ore inspired to mimic those of related metalloenzymes that activate renewable substrates. The use of carbon dioxide to make polycarbonates represents on alternative to the current production method that is hard to control and uses highly toxic reagents. Polylactide, o biodegradable plastic derived from renewable resources, is currrently produced in large quantities in both Japan and the USA but as yet not in the EU, despite being the best replacement for petrochemically derived plastics in many me" . . "2005-10-01" . "2011-10-31" . "Yes" . . "304350.43"^^ . "EP/C544838/1" . "Announced" . . "Sustainable Plastics: Catalytic Reactions with Renewable Resources" . . . . . . "The 'plastic age' dominates to such an extent that it is hard to consider life without them; their manufacture is a growth industry with worldwide production exceeding 150 million tons per year. However, the most common feedstocks used to make them are fossil fuels with around 7% of worldwide oil and gas being consumed in plastics production. Such resources, although technically renewable, are estimated to be depleted in the next hundred years. The disposal of waste plastics also poses problems as the majority (>90%) go into landfill sites where they are bulky and pervasive. There is an urgent need, and considerable economic, legislative and consumer pressure to develop sustainable ways to make useful plastic materials that can be easily recycled or biodegraded. This research addresses these important challenges in two complimentary research areas: (1) the use of carbon dioxide to make polycarbonates and (2) the use of lactic acid to make polyesters. The product polymers, polycarbonates and polyesters, can be recycled under mild conditions and are also biodegradable. They are currently used in specialist applications, including increasing demand for them in the high-value, high-growth medical and biological fields where their in vivo biodegradation suits" . "The 'plastic age' dominates to such an extent that it is hard to consider life without them; their manufacture is a growth industry with worldwide production exceeding 150 million tons per year. However, the most common feedstocks used to make them are fossil fuels with around 7% of worldwide oil and gas being consumed in plastics production. Such resources, although technically renewable, are estimated to be depleted in the next hundred years. The disposal of waste plastics also poses problems as the majority (>90%) go into landfill sites where they are bulky and pervasive. There is an urgent need, and considerable economic, legislative and consumer pressure to develop sustainable ways to make useful plastic materials that can be easily recycled or biodegraded. This research addresses these important challenges in two complimentary research areas: (1) the use of carbon dioxide to make polycarbonates and (2) the use of lactic acid to make polyesters. The product polymers, polycarbonates and polyesters, can be recycled under mild conditions and are also biodegradable. They are currently used in specialist applications, including increasing demand for them in the high-value, high-growth medical and biological fields where their in vivo biodegradation suits their use as drug delivery vehicles, resorbable sutures, stents and matrices for tissue engineering. Their widespread application in a range of consumer products, including in packaging and fibres, as well as their importance in emerging medical markets, for example in controlling cell growth and medical imaging, is dependent upon lowering their production costs and in tuning their properties.\rCarbon dioxide is an attractive feedstock since it is abundant, inexpensive, non toxic and non-flammable. Its activation and application as a carbon source has been under developed and we will address this by the use of bimetallic iron and zinc catalysts. These novel catalysts are targeted for their low toxicity, ready availability, cost effectiveness and their structures are inspired to mimic those of related metalloenzymes that activate renewable substrates. The use of carbon dioxide to make polycarbonates represents an alternative to the current production method that is hard to control and uses highly toxic reagents. Polylactide, a biodegradable plastic derived from renewable resources, is currently produced in large quantities in both Japan and the USA but as yet not in the EU, despite being the best replacement for petrochemically derived plastics in many med" . . "2005-10-01" . "2010-09-30" . "Yes" . . "462128.2814"^^ . "EP/C544846/1" . "Announced" . . "Sustainable Plastics: Catalytic Reactions with Renewable Resources" . . . . . . "The price of oil continues to increase and there is no end in sight. Therefore it is important to increase production of alternative, sustainable, energy and to be able to store this energy. This proposal tries to develop rules for the design of new materials for advanced (lithium) batteries, solar_ cells and for storage of hydrogen. This is done by performing computer simulations of these materials using advanced simulation techniques, such as ab initio simulation and molecular dynamics, in which the motion of atoms and molecules is followed in the computer. These simulations provide a detailed understanding of the behaviour of materials and how this can be changed for example by adding small amounts of atoms or molecules (this is called heteroion doping). They give precise information on the atomistic structure of a material and how atoms are transported (migrate) through the structure. Using this we can obtain an understanding of the relation between structure of a material and its performance. This in turn allows us to suggest new structures with desirable properties and ways of producing these materials.\r\rIn batteries the electrode materials have to be able to take up lithium ions and release these again a large number of times as the battery gets" . "The price of oil continues to increase and there is no end in sight. Therefore it is important to increase production of alternative, sustainable, energy and to be able to store this energy. This proposal tries to develop rules for the design of new materials for advanced (lithium) batteries, solar_ cells and for storage of hydrogen. This is done by performing computer simulations of these materials using advanced simulation techniques, such as ab initio simulation and molecular dynamics, in which the motion of atoms and molecules is followed in the computer. These simulations provide a detailed understanding of the behaviour of materials and how this can be changed for example by adding small amounts of atoms or molecules (this is called heteroion doping). They give precise information on the atomistic structure of a material and how atoms are transported (migrate) through the structure. Using this we can obtain an understanding of the relation between structure of a material and its performance. This in turn allows us to suggest new structures with desirable properties and ways of producing these materials.\r\rIn batteries the electrode materials have to be able to take up lithium ions and release these again a large number of times as the battery gets charged and decharged. For the battery performance the following factors are important: the voltage difference between the electrodes, how many lithium ions go into and out of the electrodes, how fast can they go in and out and how often. With computer simulations we can monitor and learn to understand how these properties are affected as we change the materials. Using this we can obtain an understanding of the relation between structure of a material and its performance. Examples of new materials are nanosheets and nanotubes of titanium dioxide. Nanotubes are tubular molecules with properties that makes them potentially extremely useful for many applications, particularly in small scale electric and mechanical devices. Nanosheets are extremely thin layers composed of atoms or molecules, such as titanium dioxide. Using our simulations we will study how these new materials perform in batteries, solar cells and as materials for the storage of hydrogen.\r\rSuch studies will be carried out for a number of materials, such as ceramic oxides and nanocomposites, that is materials which are made of dissimilar components and mixed at an extremely fine (nano-)meter scale.\r\rTo carry out these studies we also need to develop some new methods for simulating these mat" . . "Thu Sep 01 01:00:00 BST 2005" . "Tue Jul 31 01:00:00 BST 2007" . "No" . . "233604.73"^^ . "EP/C545214/1" . "Announced" . . "Computer modelling of advanced materials for renewable energy devices" . "The price of oil continues to increase and there is no end in sight. Therefore it is important to increase production of alternative, sustainable, energy and to be able to store this energy. This proposal tries to develop rules for the design of new materials for advanced (lithium) batteries, solar_ cells and for storage of hydrogen. This is done by performing computer simulations of these materials using advanced simulation techniques, such as ab initio simulation and molecular dynamics, in which the motion of atoms and molecules is followed in the computer. These simulations provide a detailed understanding of the behaviour of materials and how this can be changed for example by adding small amounts of atoms or molecules (this is called heteroion doping). They give precise information on the atomistic structure of a material and how atoms are transported (migrate) through the structure. Using this we can obtain an understanding of the relation between structure of a material and its performance. This in turn allows us to suggest new structures with desirable properties and ways of producing these materials.\r\rIn batteries the electrode materials have to be able to take up lithium ions and release these again a large number of times as the battery gets charged and decharged. For the battery performance the following factors are important: the voltage difference between the electrodes, how many lithium ions go into and out of the electrodes, how fast can they go in and out and how often. With computer simulations we can monitor and learn to understand how these properties are affected as we change the materials. Using this we can obtain an understanding of the relation between structure of a material and its performance. Examples of new materials are nanosheets and nanotubes of titanium dioxide. Nanotubes are tubular molecules with properties that makes them potentially extremely useful for many applications, particularly in small scale electric and mechanical devices. Nanosheets are extremely thin layers composed of atoms or molecules, such as titanium dioxide. Using our simulations we will study how these new materials perform in batteries, solar cells and as materials for the storage of hydrogen.\r\rSuch studies will be carried out for a number of materials, such as ceramic oxides and nanocomposites, that is materials which are made of dissimilar components and mixed at an extremely fine (nano-)meter scale.\r\rTo carry out these studies we also need to develop some new methods for simulating these mat" . "The price of oil continues to increase and there is no end in sight. Therefore it is important to increase production of alternative, sustainable, energy and to be able to store this energy. This proposal tries to develop rules for the design of new materials for advanced (lithium) batteries, solar_ cells and for storage of hydrogen. This is done by performing computer simulations of these materials using advanced simulation techniques, such as ab initio simulation and molecular dynamics, in which the motion of atoms and molecules is followed in the computer. These simulations provide a detailed understanding of the behaviour of materials and how this can be changed for example by adding small amounts of atoms or molecules (this is called heteroion doping). They give precise information on the atomistic structure of a material and how atoms are transported (migrate) through the structure. Using this we can obtain an understanding of the relation between structure of a material and its performance. This in turn allows us to suggest new structures with desirable properties and ways of producing these materials.\r\rIn batteries the electrode materials have to be able to take up lithium ions and release these again a large number of times as the battery gets" . . "2007-08-01" . "2010-08-31" . "Yes" . . "149115.27"^^ . "EP/C545214/2" . "Announced" . . "Computer modelling of advanced materials for renewable energy devices" . . . . . . "The price of oil continues to increase and there is no end in sight. Therefore it is important to increase production of alternative, sustainable, energy and to be able to store this energy. This proposal tries to develop rules for the design of new materials for advanced (lithium) batteries, solar_ cells and for storage of hydrogen. This is done by performing computer simulations of these materials using advanced simulation techniques, such as ab initio simulation and molecular dynamics, in which the motion of atoms and molecules is followed in the computer. These simulations provide a detailed understanding of the behaviour of materials and how this can be changed for example by adding small amounts of atoms or molecules (this is called heteroion doping). They give precise information on the atomistic structure of a material and how atoms are transported (migrate) through the structure. Using this we can obtain an understanding of the relation between structure of a material and its performance. This in turn allows us to suggest new structures with desirable properties and ways of producing these materials.\r\rIn batteries the electrode materials have to be able to take up lithium ions and release these again a large number of times as the battery gets charged and decharged. For the battery performance the following factors are important: the voltage difference between the electrodes, how many lithium ions go into and out of the electrodes, how fast can they go in and out and how often. With computer simulations we can monitor and learn to understand how these properties are affected as we change the materials. Using this we can obtain an understanding of the relation between structure of a material and its performance. Examples of new materials are nanosheets and nanotubes of titanium dioxide. Nanotubes are tubular molecules with properties that makes them potentially extremely useful for many applications, particularly in small scale electric and mechanical devices. Nanosheets are extremely thin layers composed of atoms or molecules, such as titanium dioxide. Using our simulations we will study how these new materials perform in batteries, solar cells and as materials for the storage of hydrogen.\r\rSuch studies will be carried out for a number of materials, such as ceramic oxides and nanocomposites, that is materials which are made of dissimilar components and mixed at an extremely fine (nano-)meter scale.\r\rTo carry out these studies we also need to develop some new methods for simulating these mat" . "The price of oil continues to increase and there is no end in sight. Therefore it is important to increase production of alternative, sustainable, energy and to be able to store this energy. This proposal tries to develop rules for the design of new materials for advanced (lithium) batteries, solar_ cells and for storage of hydrogen. This is done by performing computer simulations of these materials using advanced simulation techniques, such as ab initio simulation and molecular dynamics, in which the motion of atoms and molecules is followed in the computer. These simulations provide a detailed understanding of the behaviour of materials and how this can be changed for example by adding small amounts of atoms or molecules (this is called heteroion doping). They give precise information on the atomistic structure of a material and how atoms are transported (migrate) through the structure. Using this we can obtain an understanding of the relation between structure of a material and its performance. This in turn allows us to suggest new structures with desirable properties and ways of producing these materials.\r\rIn batteries the electrode materials have to be able to take up lithium ions and release these again a large number of times as the battery gets" . . "Sun Oct 01 01:00:00 BST 2006" . "Tue Jul 31 01:00:00 BST 2007" . "No" . . "111328.63"^^ . "EP/C545222/1" . "Announced" . . "Computer modelling of advanced materials for renewable energy devices" . "The price of oil continues to increase and there is no end in sight. Therefore it is important to increase production of alternative, sustainable, energy and to be able to store this energy. This proposal tries to develop rules for the design of new materials for advanced (lithium) batteries, solar_ cells and for storage of hydrogen. This is done by performing computer simulations of these materials using advanced simulation techniques, such as ab initio simulation and molecular dynamics, in which the motion of atoms and molecules is followed in the computer. These simulations provide a detailed understanding of the behaviour of materials and how this can be changed for example by adding small amounts of atoms or molecules (this is called heteroion doping). They give precise information on the atomistic structure of a material and how atoms are transported (migrate) through the structure. Using this we can obtain an understanding of the relation between structure of a material and its performance. This in turn allows us to suggest new structures with desirable properties and ways of producing these materials.\r\rIn batteries the electrode materials have to be able to take up lithium ions and release these again a large number of times as the battery gets charged and decharged. For the battery performance the following factors are important: the voltage difference between the electrodes, how many lithium ions go into and out of the electrodes, how fast can they go in and out and how often. With computer simulations we can monitor and learn to understand how these properties are affected as we change the materials. Using this we can obtain an understanding of the relation between structure of a material and its performance. Examples of new materials are nanosheets and nanotubes of titanium dioxide. Nanotubes are tubular molecules with properties that makes them potentially extremely useful for many applications, particularly in small scale electric and mechanical devices. Nanosheets are extremely thin layers composed of atoms or molecules, such as titanium dioxide. Using our simulations we will study how these new materials perform in batteries, solar cells and as materials for the storage of hydrogen.\r\rSuch studies will be carried out for a number of materials, such as ceramic oxides and nanocomposites, that is materials which are made of dissimilar components and mixed at an extremely fine (nano-)meter scale.\r\rTo carry out these studies we also need to develop some new methods for simulating these mat" . "The price of oil continues to increase and there is no end in sight. Therefore it is important to increase production of alternative, sustainable, energy and to be able to store this energy. This proposal tries to develop rules for the design of new materials for advanced (lithium) batteries, solar_ cells and for storage of hydrogen. This is done by performing computer simulations of these materials using advanced simulation techniques, such as ab initio simulation and molecular dynamics, in which the motion of atoms and molecules is followed in the computer. These simulations provide a detailed understanding of the behaviour of materials and how this can be changed for example by adding small amounts of atoms or molecules (this is called heteroion doping). They give precise information on the atomistic structure of a material and how atoms are transported (migrate) through the structure. Using this we can obtain an understanding of the relation between structure of a material and its performance. This in turn allows us to suggest new structures with desirable properties and ways of producing these materials.\r\rIn batteries the electrode materials have to be able to take up lithium ions and release these again a large number of times as the battery gets" . . "2007-08-01" . "2010-03-31" . "Yes" . . "106108.82"^^ . "EP/C545222/2" . "Announced" . . "Computer modelling of advanced materials for renewable energy devices" . . . . . . "The proposed programme will focus on achieving control of quantum states of charge carriers and photons in semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) and devices comprising these nano-structures. The key tasks will be to accurately prepare quantum states with information encoded in their properties and to control their interactions with the environment to prevent the loss of this information. In my proposal the full control of electronic quantum states will importantly include manipulation of a quantum degree of freedom, spin (acquiring discrete values +or-112 for electrons). Specially designed photonic structures will also permit a complete control on polarisation of photons emitted from QDs. The control of electronic and photon states are highly complementary. Electronic states will be controlled by e.g. external electric and magnetic fields to achieve desired spin properties of electrons and hence of the polarisation of emitted photons, whereas the emission properties of particular QD states are controlled by engineering of photonic properties, again to achieve spin and polarisation selective control. The experiments will be performed using powerful spectroscopy methods with strong involvement of microscopy, ultra-fast pulsed lasers and novel signal detection t" . "The proposed programme will focus on achieving control of quantum states of charge carriers and photons in semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) and devices comprising these nano-structures. The key tasks will be to accurately prepare quantum states with information encoded in their properties and to control their interactions with the environment to prevent the loss of this information. In my proposal the full control of electronic quantum states will importantly include manipulation of a quantum degree of freedom, spin (acquiring discrete values +or-112 for electrons). Specially designed photonic structures will also permit a complete control on polarisation of photons emitted from QDs. The control of electronic and photon states are highly complementary. Electronic states will be controlled by e.g. external electric and magnetic fields to achieve desired spin properties of electrons and hence of the polarisation of emitted photons, whereas the emission properties of particular QD states are controlled by engineering of photonic properties, again to achieve spin and polarisation selective control. The experiments will be performed using powerful spectroscopy methods with strong involvement of microscopy, ultra-fast pulsed lasers and novel signal detection techniques.\r\rQDs which will be studied in the proposed programme are nanoscale In-rich islands surrounded by GaAs crystal matrix. Charge carriers (electrons and holes) captured from the matrix into a QD become isolated from the environment of a large semiconductor crystal and therefore exhibit a range of novel properties highly beneficial for practical device applications. The proposed research will focus on the properties which will be crucially important to understand/realize the potential of QDs for novel ultra-small memories, quantum computing, totally secure communication protocols (quantum cryptography) and lasers at new wavelengths (1.3 and 1.55 micron). All these applications rely on control of spin orientation and spin interactions of polarisation carriers captured in QDs and polarisation of light emitted from QDs. Very importantly, this control will be based on the in-depth knowledge about the dynamics of carriers and photons during their life-time in the complex structure of a semiconductor device. The information an the dynamics of electrons and photons will be obtained in time-resolved experiments, forming a large part of the proposed programme." . . "2005-08-01" . "2010-07-31" . "Yes" . . "260661.42"^^ . "EP/C54563X/1" . "Announced" . . "Control of electronic spin and photon polarisation in quantum dots" . . . . . . "The proteomics research programme will aim at the development of radical new technologies to address the major outstanding challenges in our understanding of the functional interactions of proteins. Non-invasive analysis of intact/live biological cells is made possible by optical techniques . This will enable the study of protein function within a true\rbiological context, which is not possible with existing approaches. A high-speed high-throughput implementation of the new technologies will allow the extended network of protein-protein interactions that regulate cell function and determine specific physiological responses to be unravelled. Optical technology development will focus on robust high-speed imaging and methods for the detection of protein interactions occurring specifically on the cell surface, which offers many potential drug targets. These new proteomic technologies will benefit a number of important biomedical issues, including stem cells, cancer, allergy and asthma. This research programme builds on the availability of the human genome to bridge the gap between advanced optical cell imaging, cell biology and clinical medicine." . . "2005-10-24" . "2010-02-23" . "Yes" . . "1000300.3574"^^ . "EP/C546105/1" . "Announced" . . "Optical Proteomic Technology for In-Situ Analysis of Protein Interaction Networks" . . . . . . "An exciting aspect of modern medicine is that we now can make 'spare parts' to replace parts of the body that have worn out or have been damage in some way. For example, we can make artificial hips, knees, heart valves and voice boxes. We also use a number of tube-like devices (known as catheters) to deliver fluids (containing nutrients or various drugs) to seriously-ill patients or to remove fluids (e.g. urine) from such patients. Unfortunately, bacteria from the skin can stick to these devices and grow to form structures (known as biofilms) consisting of millions of bacteria surrounded by a jellylike material. Inside these biofilms, the bacteria are protected by the jelly from the body's defence systems as well as from antibiotics. Therefore, once biofilms have formed on these medical devices, they are very difficult to remove and they eventually cause an infection which can kill the patient. In this project we are going to try to use enzymes that can break up the jelly-like material so that the biofilms can't be produced in the first place or can be broken down once they have formed (they will therefore no longer be protected can then be killed by antibiotics). The problem is where can we get such an enzyme from? It would have to be able to work very q" . "An exciting aspect of modern medicine is that we now can make 'spare parts' to replace parts of the body that have worn out or have been damage in some way. For example, we can make artificial hips, knees, heart valves and voice boxes. We also use a number of tube-like devices (known as catheters) to deliver fluids (containing nutrients or various drugs) to seriously-ill patients or to remove fluids (e.g. urine) from such patients. Unfortunately, bacteria from the skin can stick to these devices and grow to form structures (known as biofilms) consisting of millions of bacteria surrounded by a jellylike material. Inside these biofilms, the bacteria are protected by the jelly from the body's defence systems as well as from antibiotics. Therefore, once biofilms have formed on these medical devices, they are very difficult to remove and they eventually cause an infection which can kill the patient. In this project we are going to try to use enzymes that can break up the jelly-like material so that the biofilms can't be produced in the first place or can be broken down once they have formed (they will therefore no longer be protected can then be killed by antibiotics). The problem is where can we get such an enzyme from? It would have to be able to work very quickly, do the job at low concentrations and work under the conditions found in the body. There may be an enzyme somewhere on the planet that would be ideal for the job, but it would take a long time to find it. What we intend to do is to produce a 'super-enzyme' that can very rapidly and efficiently break up the biofilms or prevent the biofilms from forming in the first place. To do this we will need to start with the genes that carry the information for enzymes that could break up the biofilm - but that are not good enough to use to treat patients because they work too slowly, or else because we'd need very high concentrations or because they wouldn't really work under the conditions present in the body where the biofilms form. From these we will 'breed' the superenzyme we're looking for. To do this we will chop up each of these genes into small sections and then mix them all up and then join the bits together again in different ways. This will give us thousands of different enzymes, some of which are certain to be very good at destroying biofilms or preventing them from being formed. Once we've got these enzymes we can test them to find out which of these has the properties we're looking for. We can then use one of these to coat the spare part or the c" . . "2005-11-14" . "2008-11-13" . "No" . . "202304.0184"^^ . "EP/C546555/1" . "Announced" . . "A new approach for ensuring the biocompatibility of medical devices - molecular breeding of enzymes for preventing S. epidermidis biofilm formation" . . . . . . "Retinal detachments occur for a number of reasons and if untreated will lead to blindness. Tamponade agents are used in the treatment of retinal detachments. They are injected into the back of the eye to replace the patients vitreous. The tamponade agent advocated for use in patients with complex retinal detachments, for example those complicated by systemic disease such as diabetes, is silicone oil. Although several studies have shown that silicone oil is clinically effective and acceptable for this application problems with its use have been identified. One of these is that the silicone oil emulsifies resulting in small droplets of oil surrounding the main bubble. These droplets can cause significant adverse biological responses as well as reduce the effectiveness of the tamponade agent and interfere with the patients vision. We hypothesise that we can reduce the risk of emulsification by increasing the extensional viscosity of the silicone oil without causing large increases in the shear viscosity and therefore without making it more difficult for the vitreoretinal surgeons to use. This study will use colloid science expertise to study the emulsification of silicone oil tamponade agents and explore routes to reduce this process." . . "2005-08-01" . "No" . . "65217.08"^^ . "EP/C546679/1" . "Announced" . . "Identification of colloid science routes to improve the critical performance of tamponade agents" . . . . . . "Structural adhesives are Increasingly being used in demanding engineering applications, as designers and manufacturers take advantage of the many benefits that adhesive bonding offers over the traditional joining techniques of welding and riveting. These include the ability of an adhesive to distribute the loading stresses evenly and also to avoid areas of stress concentration around a rivet or bolt hole. Indeed, the use of structural adhesives in engineering applications is a major growth area, and the UK is currently at the forefront. For example, the new Airbus 380 employs structural adhesives to join many parts of the primary structure. Another example, this time in the automotive industry, is the Aston Martin Vanquish V12, which relies upon structural adhesives to bond aluminium alloy to carbon-fibre reinforced composite, to provide a light weight vehicle structure with excellent mechanical performance. Indeed, the drive towards light weight materials has been partly fuelled by recent environmental legislation which aims to reduce harmful emissions, and reducing vehicle weight is one of the main routes which manufacturers are taking to achieve these goals. Adhesive bonding allows designers the flexibility to select the optimum material for a given application, safe in the knowledge that the materials can be joined satisfactorily.\r\rHowever, at present the structural performance of adhesive joints is not fully understood under all conditions likely to be encountered in service. This is resulting in large safety factors being imposed by designers in their structures, and the non optimum use of materials. The proposed research aims to investigate how adhesive joints fail when subjected to mode II (in-plane shear stresses) and also how they respond to impact or high rate loading. These loading conditions are both likely to be encountered in, for example, vehicle structures, and the results of the proposed research are intended to enable more accurate performance models to be developed. The research will use a novel experimental approach for mode II fracture, in which many of the problems associated crack length definition and measurement are circumvented. The applicability this novel approach will be investigated and extended to several popular mode II test methods. The research into the high rate fracture behaviour of bonded joints will employ high speed digital video analysis in combination with new analysis methods. In addition, the research aims to develop test methods which can be readily employed" . "Structural adhesives are Increasingly being used in demanding engineering applications, as designers and manufacturers take advantage of the many benefits that adhesive bonding offers over the traditional joining techniques of welding and riveting. These include the ability of an adhesive to distribute the loading stresses evenly and also to avoid areas of stress concentration around a rivet or bolt hole. Indeed, the use of structural adhesives in engineering applications is a major growth area, and the UK is currently at the forefront. For example, the new Airbus 380 employs structural adhesives to join many parts of the primary structure. Another example, this time in the automotive industry, is the Aston Martin Vanquish V12, which relies upon structural adhesives to bond aluminium alloy to carbon-fibre reinforced composite, to provide a light weight vehicle structure with excellent mechanical performance. Indeed, the drive towards light weight materials has been partly fuelled by recent environmental legislation which aims to reduce harmful emissions, and reducing vehicle weight is one of the main routes which manufacturers are taking to achieve these goals. Adhesive bonding allows designers the flexibility to select the optimum material for a given ap" . . "2005-06-01" . "2007-05-31" . "No" . . "125606.57"^^ . "EP/C547888/1" . "Announced" . . "The Application of Fracture Mechanics to Engineering Adhesive Joints: An Investigation into Mode II and High Rate Loading" . . . . . . "The proteomics research network will form a UK centre of excellence for the development of radical new technologies to address the major outstanding challenges in our understanding of the function of proteins. Non-invasive analysis of intact/live biological cells is made possible by employing techniques based on the use of light. This will enable the study of protein function within a true biological context, not possible with existing approaches. A high speed implementation of these technologies on large numbers of assays will provide a specific probe of biological cause and effect involving protein function, and enable a determination of the ways in which a chain of events involving different proteins can result in specific physiological responses to external stimuli. Optical technology development will focus on techniques for high-speed reliable imaging and methods for the detection of protein events occurring specifically on the surface of a cell, the location of the majority of 'biosensors'for environmental changes. We will also develop gene libraries encoding all possible genomic sequences, and new chemical approaches for the attachment of molecular units for the optical detection of events involving proteins. These new proteomic technologies will be used to address a number of important current issues, including stem cells, cancer, allergy and asthma. The proposed network will serve to bring together the multidisciplinary and multiinterdisciplinary consortium of researchers required for the realisation of this research vision." . "The proteomics research network will form a UK centre of excellence for the development of radical new technologies to address the major outstanding challenges in our understanding of the function of proteins. Non-invasive analysis of intact/live biological cells is made possible by employing techniques based on the use of light. This will enable the study of protein function within a true biological context, not possible with existing approaches. A high speed implementation of these technologies on large numbers of assays will provide a specific probe of biological cause and effect involving protein function, and enable a determination of the ways in which a chain of events involving different proteins can result in specific physiological responses to external stimuli. Optical technology development will focus on techniques for high-speed reliable imaging and methods for the detection of protein events occurring specifically on the surface of a cell, the location of the majority of 'biosensors'for environmental changes. We will also develop gene libraries encoding all possible genomic sequences, and new chemical approaches for the attachment of molecular units for the optical detection of events involving proteins. These new proteomic technologies will b" . . "2005-08-15" . "2008-11-14" . "No" . . "62754.903"^^ . "EP/C548264/1" . "Announced" . . "Interdisciplinary Research Network : in situ Functional Proteomic Technology" . . . . . . "Composites have been used for a number of years in different sectors, including the aerospace, marine and construction industries. It is generally acknowledged that, compared to some traditional materials such as steel or aluminium, their design should aim for a higher utilisation ratio and ensure that proper attention is given to detailing, partly in order to offset higher material costs but also because of increased sensitivity to inhomogeneities, defects and, more generally, deviation from nominal properties. Coupled with the higher number of alternative designs that may be produced owing to directionality of properties, and the availability of many different material systems, the design and analysis tasks for composite structures need to be based on advanced and refined methods and tools. In this respect, finite element analysis is one such tool that can furnish the required information on structural response subject to general loading conditions. However, finite element analysis of composite structures is often undertaken by adopting some idealisations that are more appropriate to homogeneous materials, for example by making conservative assumptions regarding mechanical properties and geometric tolerances, in the absence of procedures that can account realistically with the spatial variation of such parameters within a component or structure.\rThe aim of the proposed combined project is to develop a robust software tool for the design and analysis of composite plates, shells and sandwich panels, taking account of the random variability in geometric tolerances and mechanical properties, in other words accounting for random stiffness and strength influences on the predicted response of composite structures. The project combines experimental work, analytical and numerical modelling, in developing the required input models and algorithms for stochastic finite element analysis of composite structures. It brings together engineering materials technology, structural engineering and life cycle design, and strongly links these fields with topics in applied mathematics, such as optimisation and uncertainty modelling. In terms of academic partners it brings together two groups with distinct track records in relevant fields who can only achieve the overall project objective by working closely together. Hence, in addition to the deliverables to the engineering community, it is believed that the project will enhance significantly the research capability of the two groups, and will allow further research to be unde" . "Composites have been used for a number of years in different sectors, including the aerospace, marine and construction industries. It is generally acknowledged that, compared to some traditional materials such as steel or aluminium, their design should aim for a higher utilisation ratio and ensure that proper attention is given to detailing, partly in order to offset higher material costs but also because of increased sensitivity to inhomogeneities, defects and, more generally, deviation from nominal properties. Coupled with the higher number of alternative designs that may be produced owing to directionality of properties, and the availability of many different material systems, the design and analysis tasks for composite structures need to be based on advanced and refined methods and tools. In this respect, finite element analysis is one such tool that can furnish the required information on structural response subject to general loading conditions. However, finite element analysis of composite structures is often undertaken by adopting some idealisations that are more appropriate to homogeneous materials, for example by making conservative assumptions regarding mechanical properties and geometric tolerances, in the absence of procedures that can accoun" . . "2006-05-29" . "2009-05-28" . "No" . . "223178.89"^^ . "EP/C548582/1" . "Announced" . . "CREDO - Composites Reliability from Engineering Design Optimization I. Stochastic Analysis" . . . . . . "The overall aim of this project is to determine whether high performance heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) can be achieved using zinc-blende AIGaN structures. Over the last 10-years there has been significant interest in high power devices made from wideband gap semiconductors, including GaN and SiC. The large breakdown field of these devices allows them to be operated at high voltages and so, for a given current, the devices are able to generate higher output power. SiC and GaN are the two most promising wideband gap materials for electronic devices. SiC has a higher thermal conductivity, but GaN has a higher saturated velocity and breakdown voltage. Over the last few years there has been significant progress in GaN heterojunction field effect transistors (HFETs). Modem communication systems use complex digital modulation schemes and the signal envelope is not constant. Any non-linearities in the amplifiers will lead to signal distortion that will result in an increase in the bit error rate of the channel as well as adjacent channel interference. In general, HBTs are inherently more linear than HFETs and in recent years GalnP/GaAs HBTs have dominated the mobile phone hand set power amplifier market. If a GaN HBT could be manufactured, it would ha" . "The overall aim of this project is to determine whether high performance heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) can be achieved using zinc-blende AIGaN structures. Over the last 10-years there has been significant interest in high power devices made from wideband gap semiconductors, including GaN and SiC. The large breakdown field of these devices allows them to be operated at high voltages and so, for a given current, the devices are able to generate higher output power. SiC and GaN are the two most promising wideband gap materials for electronic devices. SiC has a higher thermal conductivity, but GaN has a higher saturated velocity and breakdown voltage. Over the last few years there has been significant progress in GaN heterojunction field effect transistors (HFETs). Modem communication systems use complex digital modulation schemes and the signal envelope is not constant. Any non-linearities in the amplifiers will lead to signal distortion that will result in an increase in the bit error rate of the channel as well as adjacent channel interference. In general, HBTs are inherently more linear than HFETs and in recent years GalnP/GaAs HBTs have dominated the mobile phone hand set power amplifier market. If a GaN HBT could be manufactured, it would have superior performance in terms of linearity and have the same power handling capability as GaN HFETs.\rThere have been several attempts to manufacture GaN HBTs, using the common wurzite polytype grown by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE). Wurtzite GaN is normally used in blue lasers and LEDs. The GaN HBTs suffer from two major problems. The mobility of p-type wurzite GaN is very low and the acceptor is very deep. As a result, the HBT base has a high resistivity and consequently the base resistance of the device will be large thus reducing the high frequency performance. The other major problem in wurtzite GaN HBTs is the leakage current across the collector. This is the cause of the anomalously high current leakage, which reduces the performance at high collector voltages. It has been shown that pure screw dislocations cause a high leakage current.\rWe propose to overcome these two obstacles by using the zinc-blende (cubic) GaN polytype, which has high electron and hole mobilities and does not have threading dislocations in the growth direction. At Nottingham, using plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PA-MBE) we developed a unique technique for the reproducible growth of the zinc-blende polytype of GaN, using arsenic as a surfactant. Recent" . . "2005-11-01" . "2006-09-30" . "No" . . "62011.1496"^^ . "EP/C548825/1" . "Announced" . . "Feasibility study of zinc-blende AIGaN heterojunction bipolar transistors" . . . . . . "Bioactive glasses undergo degradation and dissolution in the human body. They form apatite the the bone mineral on their surface and integrate and bond well to bone. Despite their use clinically over the last twenty years their detailed mechanisms of degradation and the relationship between glass composition, glass structure and the speed at which they degrade are not understood.\rThis proposal will address these points. It aims to understand the relationships between glass composition, glass structure, glass degradation and the physical properties of the glass such as; glass transition temperature, themal expansion coefficient, density and crystallisation behaviour.\rThe proposal will characterise the chemical structure of the glass using solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The degradation of the glass will be followed by measuring the dissolution behaviour and the type and number of ions released. The degradation behaviour will also be followed by NMR. The physical properties of the glass as well as the crystallisation behaviour will be characterised.\rThe research will result in a detailed understanding that will enable the chemical and physical properties of bioactive glasses to be manipulated and altered, enabling bioactive glasses to be designed for specific applications for the first time.\rThe data and know how generated will be used to design and produce new porous bioactive tissue engineered scaffolds for use in medicine." . "Bioactive glasses undergo degradation and dissolution in the human body. They form apatite the the bone mineral on their surface and integrate and bond well to bone. Despite their use clinically over the last twenty years their detailed mechanisms of degradation and the relationship between glass composition, glass structure and the speed at which they degrade are not understood.\rThis proposal will address these points. It aims to understand the relationships between glass composition, glass structure, glass degradation and the physical properties of the glass such as; glass transition temperature, themal expansion coefficient, density and crystallisation behaviour.\rThe proposal will characterise the chemical structure of the glass using solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The degradation of the glass will be followed by measuring the dissolution behaviour and the type and number of ions released. The degradation behaviour will also be followed by NMR. The physical properties of the glass as well as the crystallisation behaviour will be characterised.\rThe research will result in a detailed understanding that will enable the chemical and physical properties of bioactive glasses to be manipulated and altered, enabling bioactive gla" . . "2005-08-01" . "2008-11-30" . "No" . . "279858.45"^^ . "EP/C549309/1" . "Announced" . . "The Structural Characterisation of Melt-Derived Bioactive Glasses" . . . . . . "Many biological problems involve a wide range of scales, from, say, an individual gene operating within a cell to a very large population of cells operating in concert. While the latter aspect is widely recognised in the context of distinct organs within the human body, for example, its significance in bacterial populations (associated with a phenomenon known as 'quorum sensing') has been appreciated only relatively recently. These advances, together with the increasing medical challenges arising from the development among bacteria of resistance to the available antibiotics, motivates efforts to understand such processes through the development of suitable mathematical models. These models should encompass the complex behaviour that occurs both within a single cell and at the level of the whole population of cells; to bridge these scales it is highly desirable that the models be able to incorporate very large numbers of cells, each of which has significant internal structure. The current project seeks to develop such models by combining the distinct skills of a computer scientist and a mathematical modeller in such a way that these challenges can be addressed." . . "2005-09-26" . "2006-09-25" . "No" . . "38681.9596"^^ . "EP/C549406/1" . "Announced" . . "Agent-Based and Continuum Modelling of Populations of Cells" . . . . . . "Nanoscience and nanotechnology are currently of considerable interest to scientists and businesses alike. The key to this interest is the novel behaviour of materials and systems at the 'nanoscale', often completely different to the way systems behave in our macroscopic world. As we look at smaller and smaller objects we often find unexpected behaviour, sometimes with useful consequences, but always revealing more about the science of the world in which we live. An important example of this is the study of electrical conduction through single molecules, which has revealed new and fascinating physics, as well as demonstrating great promise for building smaller, faster computers. In this area, 'single walled carbon nanotubes', are showing great potential and have been the subject of a huge amount of research globally since their discovery just over ten years ago. Single walled carbon nanotubes are hollow cylinders of carbon, with cylinder walls only one atom thick, but lengths up to a million atoms long, and widths 50 000 times smaller than a human hair (an equivalent aspect ratio to a pencil 10 km long!). We propose to study the electrochemical properties of these molecules, investigating a few, or even only one, at a time.\r\rElectrochemistry deals with either the production of electricity from chemical processes or chemical changes produced by electricity and is of considerable importance in everyday life (e.g. batteries, fuel cells, sensors etc). The development of new electrode materials and an improved understanding of charge transfer at the nanoscale underpins future advances in electrochemical technology and applications. Carbon nanotubes are potentially fascinating materials to use as electrodes and at which to study electrochemical processes at the molecular scale. We hope to learn interesting new information about these processes and we also expect to see new phenomena due to the small width of the carbon nanotubes. For example, diffusion (movement of molecules to the electrode) at small length scales (nanoscale) is thought to follow different behaviour to diffusion over comparatively large distances. This will affect the electrochemistry at carbon nanotubes, but will also be of significance to understanding diffusion in other contexts at these small scales. The knowledge we will gain may also point the way to industrial applications of carbon nanotube electrodes, most likely in the technologically important area of electrocatalysis and chemical sensing. Additionally, we will learn about the effect" . "Nanoscience and nanotechnology are currently of considerable interest to scientists and businesses alike. The key to this interest is the novel behaviour of materials and systems at the 'nanoscale', often completely different to the way systems behave in our macroscopic world. As we look at smaller and smaller objects we often find unexpected behaviour, sometimes with useful consequences, but always revealing more about the science of the world in which we live. An important example of this is the study of electrical conduction through single molecules, which has revealed new and fascinating physics, as well as demonstrating great promise for building smaller, faster computers. In this area, 'single walled carbon nanotubes', are showing great potential and have been the subject of a huge amount of research globally since their discovery just over ten years ago. Single walled carbon nanotubes are hollow cylinders of carbon, with cylinder walls only one atom thick, but lengths up to a million atoms long, and widths 50 000 times smaller than a human hair (an equivalent aspect ratio to a pencil 10 km long!). We propose to study the electrochemical properties of these molecules, investigating a few, or even only one, at a time.\r\rElectrochemistry deals with eit" . . "2006-04-01" . "2009-09-30" . "Yes" . . "207965.16"^^ . "EP/D000165/1" . "Announced" . . "Electrochemical Properties and Applications of Isolated Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNTs)" . . . . . . "This proposal involves mathematical modelling of the burning and degradation of mechanical properties of flame retadant glass fibre reinforced plastic laminates. At Bolton, novel flame - retardant laminates have been developed and patented during an earlier EPSRC project. These laminates contain novel flame retardant chemicals and inherently flame retardant cellulosic fibres as additives in the resin matrix or as additional fabric layer. Some laminates also contain polymer layered silicate nanocomposites with or without conventional flame retardants. The laminates show improved flame reatrdant and residual mechanical properties after fire/heat exposure compared to unmodified laminates. This proposal is a joint attempt by 'Fire and Heat Resistant Materials' group at Bolton Institute and 'Fire Engineering Research Group' at University of Manchester to numerically predict their burning and mechanical behaviour under a fire condition. The Bolton team will focus on the burning aspect and the Manchester team the burning induced degradation of mechanical properties. Results from the Bolton team will provide input of material damage and temperature information to the Manchester team so that the outcome of this project will be an integrated predictive model for combining both burning and burning-induced mechanical behaviour. A limited amount of mechanical tests at elevated temperatures will be carried out to provide data for validation of the numerical models developed." . "This proposal involves mathematical modelling of the burning and degradation of mechanical properties of flame retadant glass fibre reinforced plastic laminates. At Bolton, novel flame - retardant laminates have been developed and patented during an earlier EPSRC project. These laminates contain novel flame retardant chemicals and inherently flame retardant cellulosic fibres as additives in the resin matrix or as additional fabric layer. Some laminates also contain polymer layered silicate nanocomposites with or without conventional flame retardants. The laminates show improved flame reatrdant and residual mechanical properties after fire/heat exposure compared to unmodified laminates. This proposal is a joint attempt by 'Fire and Heat Resistant Materials' group at Bolton Institute and 'Fire Engineering Research Group' at University of Manchester to numerically predict their burning and mechanical behaviour under a fire condition. The Bolton team will focus on the burning aspect and the Manchester team the burning induced degradation of mechanical properties. Results from the Bolton team will provide input of material damage and temperature information to the Manchester team so that the outcome of this project will be an integrated predictive model for" . . "2006-03-01" . "2009-05-31" . "No" . . "160925.4794"^^ . "EP/D000548/1" . "Announced" . . "Predictive Modelling of Combustion-Induced Mechanical Property Degradation of Flame-Retardant Structural Composites" . . . . . . "This proposal involves mathematical modelling of the burning and degradation of mechanical properties of flame retadant glass fibre reinforced plastic laminates. At Bolton, novel flame - retardant laminates have been developed and patented during an earlier EPSRC project. These laminates contain novel flame retardant chemicals and inherently flame retardant cellulosic fibres as additives in the resin matrix or as additional fabric layer. Some laminates also contain polymer layered silicate nanocomposites with or without conventional flame retardants. The laminates show improved flame reatrdant and residual mechanical properties after fire/heat exposure compared to unmodified laminates. This proposal is a joint attempt by 'Fire and Heat Resistant Materials' group at Bolton Institute and 'Fire Engineering Research Group' at University of Manchester to numerically predict their burning and mechanical behaviour under a fire condition. The Bolton team will focus on the burning aspect and the Manchester team the burning induced degradation of mechanical properties. Results from the Bolton team will provide input of material damage and temperature information to the Manchester team so that the outcome of this project will be an integrated predictive model for combining both burning and burning-induced mechanical behaviour. A limited amount of mechanical tests at elevated temperatures will be carried out to provide data for validation of the numerical models developed." . "This proposal involves mathematical modelling of the burning and degradation of mechanical properties of flame retadant glass fibre reinforced plastic laminates. At Bolton, novel flame - retardant laminates have been developed and patented during an earlier EPSRC project. These laminates contain novel flame retardant chemicals and inherently flame retardant cellulosic fibres as additives in the resin matrix or as additional fabric layer. Some laminates also contain polymer layered silicate nanocomposites with or without conventional flame retardants. The laminates show improved flame reatrdant and residual mechanical properties after fire/heat exposure compared to unmodified laminates. This proposal is a joint attempt by 'Fire and Heat Resistant Materials' group at Bolton Institute and 'Fire Engineering Research Group' at University of Manchester to numerically predict their burning and mechanical behaviour under a fire condition. The Bolton team will focus on the burning aspect and the Manchester team the burning induced degradation of mechanical properties. Results from the Bolton team will provide input of material damage and temperature information to the Manchester team so that the outcome of this project will be an integrated predictive model for" . . "2006-05-02" . "2009-11-01" . "Yes" . . "162151.8498"^^ . "EP/D000734/1" . "Announced" . . "Predictive Modelling of Combustion-Induced Mechanical Property Degradation of Flame-Retardant Structural Composites" . . . . . . "Light has momentum and energy akin to mechanical objects. This can be used to exert forces at the biological scale to move and even separate objects including cells depending on their physical properties. The excitement of the technique is that we can achieve this with no contact whatsoever. However these forces are weak and so we need a lot of power to achieve this.\r\rThis feasibility study looks at a new method where we illuminate a material with light that causes electrical currents to flow. In turn these currents can induce much large forces than if we used light alone. This potentialy means that we can use a laser from a CD player to move, organise and sort objects over a very large area (1 sq mm - a space in which 10,000 cells could sit). Using light means we can change the pattern of electrical currents on the surface and change the direction and size of the forces we produce.\r \rUltimately we aim to use this to sort out tumour cells from a collection of healthy cells. It has been shown that only a few cells in a population are key to the development of a tumour; so isolating and studying them is of vital importance." . . "2005-10-01" . "2007-06-30" . "No" . . "93659.63"^^ . "EP/D001668/1" . "Announced" . . "Light Induced Dielectrophoresis (LIDEP)" . . . . . . "Many elderly people suffer from osteoporosis, which causes their bones to break very easily. One of the most common places for a fracture to occur is in the vertebrae of the spine. These fractures are difficult to treat and many patients suffer from long-term pain. Recently, a new method of keyhole surgery has been introduced to treat these types of injury. The treatment, called 'vertebroplasty' involves injecting a special cement through a fine needle into the spine to hold the fracture together. Early results have been positive, with the majority of patients saying they are in much less pain after the treatment. However, recently there have been reports that vertebroplasty may increase the risk of the patient having more fractures in the surrounding vertebrae. At the moment, little is know about how stiff the cement should be or how much to inject. The aim of this project is to develop computer models of the spine that can be used to predict what effects the cement will have on the surrounding region of the spine. To check these models make the right predictions, the results first need to be checked against experimental tests undertaken in the laboratory. Then, the computer models will be used to compare many different types and volumes of cement. The aim is to find the optimum combination that will reduce the risk of more fractures happening in the surrounding vertebrae." . "Many elderly people suffer from osteoporosis, which causes their bones to break very easily. One of the most common places for a fracture to occur is in the vertebrae of the spine. These fractures are difficult to treat and many patients suffer from long-term pain. Recently, a new method of keyhole surgery has been introduced to treat these types of injury. The treatment, called 'vertebroplasty' involves injecting a special cement through a fine needle into the spine to hold the fracture together. Early results have been positive, with the majority of patients saying they are in much less pain after the treatment. However, recently there have been reports that vertebroplasty may increase the risk of the patient having more fractures in the surrounding vertebrae. At the moment, little is know about how stiff the cement should be or how much to inject. The aim of this project is to develop computer models of the spine that can be used to predict what effects the cement will have on the surrounding region of the spine. To check these models make the right predictions, the results first need to be checked against experimental tests undertaken in the laboratory. Then, the computer models will be used to compare many different types and volumes of cement. The a" . . "2006-03-01" . "2009-02-28" . "No" . . "211166.95"^^ . "EP/D002710/1" . "Announced" . . "Optimisation of vertebroplasty to minimise adjacent vertebral failure" . . . . . . "InGaN is the material used in the manufacture of bright blue and white light emitting diodes and lasers, in the future these devices will replace normal incandescent bulbs in many applications, saving electricity and, in the case of DVD players, increasing storage capacity. They are made by chemically depositing very thin films of InGaN on to GaN. When a current flows in the InGaN layers electrons are confined within the layer and emit light. The authors of this proposal intend to confine the electrons not only in the InGaN layer but into very small regions of that layer by means of nanometer scale clumps of material known as quantum dots. By studying the way in which these dots form, the way in which the electrons are confined and the way in which they emit light they intend to improve the efficiency of emission from existing devices and thus realise the potential improvements to society listed above." . . "2006-07-01" . "2009-12-31" . "Yes" . . "133131.958"^^ . "EP/D003407/1" . "Announced" . . "Spectroscopy and Applications of Nitride Quantum Dots" . . . . . . "A remarkable feature of human tissues is the precise architectural arrangement of cells. Within a single tissue, multiple cell types are arranged on the micron scale to form interconnected communities and on the 10 micron to 10 centimeter scale to form complex shapes. This three-dimensional architecture is vital to define the ultimate cell phenotype and tissue function. This proposal details a new basic technology that we believe can enable researchers to precisely position multiple cell types in vitro within a 3D space. This technology could bridge the gap between the elegance of self-assembly during in vivo organogenesis and the simple methods of assembling 3D tissue cultures used in the laboratory." . . "2005-10-03" . "2007-02-02" . "No" . . "87989.42"^^ . "EP/D003849/1" . "Announced" . . "Three Dimensional Cell Addressing: A Proof-of-Concept Study in the Formation of Complex Tissue Architectures In Vitro" . . . . . . "Adding carbon nanotubes --tiny tubes of carbon about 1,000 times thinner than a human hair- to plastics and other polymers offers many new possibilities: to make lighter automobiles with improved safety, composite armour for aircraft, ships and tanks, improve process economics for coatings, paints and dies, waste heat management or heat piping, help to create more tear-resistant textiles and sensors small enough to be embedded in clothing. One of the challenges facing the technology is the fact that in some applications the nanotubes tend to clump together while they must be aligned parallel to one another and be thoroughly blended, without forming aggregates, to perform their best. \rIt follows that one needs to image the nanotubes embedded in the bulk of the matrix (thick and often carbon-based) and it turns out that neithet optical microscopy nor the electron microscopy with TEM (transmission electron microscope) or SEM (scanning electron microscope) are of much help . For this reason, the nanotube polymer mixtures present a perfect model media for developing the new high-resolution acoustic imaging technology. The most advanced GHz ultrasonic transducers to-date deliver the resolution of about 30 nm while the diameter of a single-walled nanotube is about 0.1-10 nm. We wish to investigate a possibility of building our own GHz transducer arrays arranged to create a 'time-reversing' mirror to improve the resolution further by about a factor of 10.\rTime-reversal is the hottest current acoustic technique that achieves super-resolution by employing multi-pathing. Ultrasound reaches the ultrasonic probes via many different paths if many reflections take place - either because the medium is full of inhomogeneities or it possesses highly reflecting boundaries or both. The well mixed nanotubes are just such inhomogeneities and if the mixing process was imperfect, they might help us to visualise the remaining nanotube aggregates. The time-reversal mirrors have been demonstrated to work in the ocean acoustics and are getting a wider and wider application in the field of material characterisation and biomediacl research. However, as far as we know, to date, nobody has developed a time-reversal probe acting on the nano-scale.\rBy the same token we wish to investigate feasibility of developing new technology for investigating mechanical properties of nanocomposites at the other end of the frequency spectrum - extremely low frequencies down to 1Hz. This topic is of great interest because many such materials" . "Adding carbon nanotubes --tiny tubes of carbon about 1,000 times thinner than a human hair- to plastics and other polymers offers many new possibilities: to make lighter automobiles with improved safety, composite armour for aircraft, ships and tanks, improve process economics for coatings, paints and dies, waste heat management or heat piping, help to create more tear-resistant textiles and sensors small enough to be embedded in clothing. One of the challenges facing the technology is the fact that in some applications the nanotubes tend to clump together while they must be aligned parallel to one another and be thoroughly blended, without forming aggregates, to perform their best. \rIt follows that one needs to image the nanotubes embedded in the bulk of the matrix (thick and often carbon-based) and it turns out that neithet optical microscopy nor the electron microscopy with TEM (transmission electron microscope) or SEM (scanning electron microscope) are of much help . For this reason, the nanotube polymer mixtures present a perfect model media for developing the new high-resolution acoustic imaging technology. The most advanced GHz ultrasonic transducers to-date deliver the resolution of about 30 nm while the diameter of a single-walled nanotube is" . . "2005-10-01" . "2006-09-30" . "No" . . "103531.77"^^ . "EP/D004926/1" . "Announced" . . "Nano-imaging and mechanical testing of soft materials / Basic Technology Proof of Concept" . . . . . . "We are accustomed to the use of electricity in every day life, this is based on the flow of electrons through materials which have a high conductivity such as metals. At low temperatures the laws of quantum mechanics prevail and now an electron does not behave as a particle but rather as a wave, which reflects the probability of finding an electron in a particular place. An entirely new range of phenomena flow from this change in the physics and this is most pronounced in very small devices, called nanostructures. The purpose of this grant is to enable the most advanced nanostructures to be fabricated and new physical phenomena to be sought in them. In addition to the new physics that will be found, new methods of transmitting and handling data will emerge, which will be of great benefit to both existing and future industries yet to be born." . . "2006-03-01" . "2010-02-28" . "Yes" . . "4396812.1786"^^ . "EP/D008506/1" . "Announced" . . "Physics and Technology of Semiconductor Quantum Nanostructures" . . . . . . "InSITU will develop and test tools to facilitate more inclusive and sustainable infrastructure for transport and the 'public realm' of streets and other public spaces, where leisure & tourism is being nurtured as a catalyst for regional regeneration. The scoping study will be carried out to support practitioners working to address the problems of urban areas that are economically disadvantaged but rich in built heritage. An innovative technique using Geographic Information Systems for Participation (GIS-P) will be piloted, allowing regional and local stakeholders to visualise options and influence design solutions through to implementation. The tool will inform the planning process, so that benefits to local residents, workers and small businesses can be maximised. Thus, it will enable the technical expertise of infrastructure planners and providers to be combined with the knowledge and perspectives of local users, especially 'hard to reach' groups who are often excluded from 'public' consultation on significant changes to their local environment." . . "2005-11-07" . "2007-02-06" . "No" . . "153932.5916"^^ . "EP/D011671/1" . "Announced" . . "Inclusive and Sustainable Infrastructure for Tourism and Urban Regeneration (INSITU):Scoping Study" . . . . . . "This research involves collaboration between materials scientists and engineers whose research areas include functional materials, biomaterials, biochemical and tissue engineering.\r\rThe research programme will explore the development of a new generation of functional bioceramic composites based on the principles of (i) accelerated or decelerated bone growth on the charged surface of polarised hydroxyapatite and (ii) the piezoelectric behaviour of bone. The concept of an induced surface charge which can enhance or suppress bone growth, depending on its polarity, can be developed by the design of biocomposites which integrate bioactive materials, such as hydroxyapatite, with ferroelectric materials which are spontaneously polarised and are piezoelectric in nature. \r\rThe research programme aims to understand and quantify the influence of surface polarity, electrical properties and composite structure on acceleration and deceleration of bone growth on the substrate materials. \r\rPotential applications include a thin coating applied to the surface of a metal substrate that enhances biological fixation. Complex implants with tailored polarisation in multiple directions could allow enhanced or reduced bone growth in specific orientations relative to the implant. Bone growth may be stimulated at the areas of highest mechanical loads using the piezoelectric properties of these new biomaterials. \r\rThe functional-biocomposites developed could have novel applications in the design and fabrication a wide range of biomaterial scaffolds for tissue engineering and reconstruction, such as scaffolds for enhanced growth, directed growth and development of more biocompatible substrate materials. Vibration of the substrate could offer enhanced mass transfer and allow cells and nutrients to travel more rapidly into the scaffold structure. \r\rBeneficiaries include biomedical component manufacturers, the implant and healthcare industry, hydroxyapatite plasma spray specialists and the aging population where bone loss and repair is a major issue." . "This research involves collaboration between materials scientists and engineers whose research areas include functional materials, biomaterials, biochemical and tissue engineering.\r\rThe research programme will explore the development of a new generation of functional bioceramic composites based on the principles of (i) accelerated or decelerated bone growth on the charged surface of polarised hydroxyapatite and (ii) the piezoelectric behaviour of bone. The concept of an induced surface charge which can enhance or suppress bone growth, depending on its polarity, can be developed by the design of biocomposites which integrate bioactive materials, such as hydroxyapatite, with ferroelectric materials which are spontaneously polarised and are piezoelectric in nature. \r\rThe research programme aims to understand and quantify the influence of surface polarity, electrical properties and composite structure on acceleration and deceleration of bone growth on the substrate materials. \r\rPotential applications include a thin coating applied to the surface of a metal substrate that enhances biological fixation. Complex implants with tailored polarisation in multiple directions could allow enhanced or reduced bone growth in specific orientations relative to the implan" . . . "2005-10-01" . "2008-09-30" . "No" . . "253351.684"^^ . "EP/D013798/1" . "Announced" . . "Functional bioceramic composites for enhanced and controlled bone growth in biomedical and tissue engineering applications" . . . . . . "InGaN is the used in the manufacture of bright blue and white light emitting diodes and lasers, in the future these devices will replace normal incandescent bulbs in many applications, saving electricity and, in the case of DVD players, increasing storage capacity. They are made by chemically depositing very thin films of InGaN on to GaN. When a current flows in the InGaN layers electrons are confined within the layer and emit light. The authors of this proposal intend to confine the electrons not only in the InGaN layer but into very small regions of that layer by means of nanometer scale clumps of material known as quantum dots. By studying the way in which these dots form, the way in which electrons are confined and the way in which they emit light they intend to improve the efficiency of emission from existing devices and thus realise the potential improvements to society listed above." . . "2006-01-01" . "2009-09-30" . "Yes" . . "136479.32"^^ . "EP/D015782/1" . "Announced" . . "Spectroscopy and Applications of Nitride Quantum Dots" . . . . . . "Semiconductor quantum dots are atom-like entities in a solid-state environment, with typical sizes\rof 10nm. Self-organized growth methods allow to produce them with a high degree of perfection\rinside a crystalline semiconductor host material. As their size, shape, and composition can be\rcontrolled at will, they have optical properties that can be tailored to a large extend. This has\rlead to their application in light-emitting devices and in the optical communications technology.\rModern experiments are capable of measuring the optical properties of individual quantum dots,\rallowing to investigate their discrete quantum-mechanical level structure. This discrete level\rstructure makes them a promising candidate for the information carrier, the qubit, in quantum\rcomputation. Quantum computation relies on the coherence properties of the quantum dots, and the\rcontrolled coupling between individual dots. The coherence describes the persistence of a phase\rrelation between the excitation of the different levels. The proposed research measures the\rcoherence dynamics in individual quantum dots using the non-linear optical spectroscopy technique\rof four-wave mixing. In this technique, three light pulses are mixed by the nonlinearity in the\rquantum dot, and the mixed product is emitted as a fourth light pulse. The application of transient\rfour-wave mixing to single quantum dots is an experimental challenge, and was demonstrated for the\ronly recently by the PI first time. We will use four-wave mixing to determine the coherent coupling\rbetween different quantum dots. Once this coupling is measured, optical control pulses will be used\rto manipulate the coherence in a well defined manner. In order to create the necessary optical\rcontrol pulses, an improved optical pulse shaper will be developed and realized. It will allow to\rcreate optical pulses of arbitrary time evolution in phase and amplitude up to a high complexity.\rThe pulses will be applied to implement quantum computational operations on single quantum dots and\rcoupled quantum dot pairs by optical control of the coherence. Such a demonstration will be a\rdecisive step towards the implementation of quantum computing algorithms in a solid state\renvironment." . "Semiconductor quantum dots are atom-like entities in a solid-state environment, with typical sizes\rof 10nm. Self-organized growth methods allow to produce them with a high degree of perfection\rinside a crystalline semiconductor host material. As their size, shape, and composition can be\rcontrolled at will, they have optical properties that can be tailored to a large extend. This has\rlead to their application in light-emitting devices and in the optical communications technology.\rModern experiments are capable of measuring the optical properties of individual quantum dots,\rallowing to investigate their discrete quantum-mechanical level structure. This discrete level\rstructure makes them a promising candidate for the information carrier, the qubit, in quantum\rcomputation. Quantum computation relies on the coherence properties of the quantum dots, and the\rcontrolled coupling between individual dots. The coherence describes the persistence of a phase\rrelation between the excitation of the different levels. The proposed research measures the\rcoherence dynamics in individual quantum dots using the non-linear optical spectroscopy technique\rof four-wave mixing. In this technique, three light pulses are mixed by the nonlinearity in the\rquantum dot, and the mixed p" . . "2005-10-01" . "2007-09-30" . "No" . . "124708.34"^^ . "EP/D025303/1" . "Announced" . . "Coherent optical maniulation and spectroscopy of single quantum dots for quantum computing" . . . . . . "PVC is a uniquely versatile polymer that is used in a large range of applications in many industry sectors. Applications range from water pipes, window frames, guttering and skirting boards to credit cards, food packaging, medical tubing and blood storage bags. However, there have been various concerns over the perceived negative environmental and social (particularly health) impacts of PVC for many years. The aim of this research is to make PVC a more environmentally friendly material. This will be done by addressing ways of improving the environmental footprint of PVC during its production, use and disposal.\r\rOne particular problem with PVC is that it easily degrades to give off hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas when it is heated. Before PVC granules can be heated up and melted to make products (such as window frames) it is necessary to add stabilisers to prevent degradation. Some of the compounds that have traditionally been added to stabilise PVC are harmful and may even be toxic - such as various compounds of heavy metals (eg lead). In our research we aim to find new ways of dispersing non-toxic additives much more efficiently (by the use of nanotechnology) to make PVC more stable, thus reducing degradation and eliminating the need for heavy metal stabilisers. This should also make it easier to recycle PVC. We also aim to use nanotechnology to distribute clay particles in flexible PVC to reduce migration of plasticiser.\r \rAnother target for our research is to reduce the energy consumed during the production of PVC. Most PVC is made by a process during which droplets of a liquid chemical (called vinyl chloride) are suspended in water. At controlled temperature the vinyl chloride can be made to react to produce granules of PVC. The PVC granules then have to be dried to remove the water and this drying process consumes a lot of energy. We propose to develop a process for making PVC using a solvent other than water, which should therefore save a lot of energy during the production process. This will also have the effect of reducing CO2 emissions, thereby helping the government to achieve its target of reduction of CO2 from industrial processes.\r\rTo underpin all this work, we propose to develop new software to examine the impacts of PVC on the environment during all stages of its life-cycle from extraction of resources (cradle) to disposal of waste (grave)." . "PVC is a uniquely versatile polymer that is used in a large range of applications in many industry sectors. Applications range from water pipes, window frames, guttering and skirting boards to credit cards, food packaging, medical tubing and blood storage bags. However, there have been various concerns over the perceived negative environmental and social (particularly health) impacts of PVC for many years. The aim of this research is to make PVC a more environmentally friendly material. This will be done by addressing ways of improving the environmental footprint of PVC during its production, use and disposal.\r\rOne particular problem with PVC is that it easily degrades to give off hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas when it is heated. Before PVC granules can be heated up and melted to make products (such as window frames) it is necessary to add stabilisers to prevent degradation. Some of the compounds that have traditionally been added to stabilise PVC are harmful and may even be toxic - such as various compounds of heavy metals (eg lead). In our research we aim to find new ways of dispersing non-toxic additives much more efficiently (by the use of nanotechnology) to make PVC more stable, thus reducing degradation and eliminating the need for heavy metal stabili" . . "2005-10-01" . "2009-03-31" . "No" . . "464674.5"^^ . "EP/D025354/1" . "Announced" . . "Improving Sustainability of PVC through Novel Materials, Processes and Life Cycle Methodologies" . . . . . . "The ability to speak, known as phonation, is achieved by the controlled exhalation of air through the larynx. On each side of the larynx is stretched a soft tissue, known as the vocal folds. By controlling the tension in this tissue the air flow is modulated, resulting in a controlled variation of air pressure leaving the mouth. We call this speech. The best analogy is a wind instrument, such as an oboe, which creates sound waves as a result of the musician forcing air, in a controlled manner, across a 'reed'.\r\rWhen the vocal folds are damaged patients suffer from either disphonia, which means that their ability to speak is impaired, or aphonia, which means that they have totally lost the power of speech.\r\rOne therapy that is known to assist people suffering from either condition is 'tissue augmentation'. This means that a substance is inserted into a damaged vocal fold, such that its' bio-mechanical properties are restored. In effect stiff damaged tissue becomes soft and pliable, so that it is able to vibrate again. The main constituent of the substance that is often used is known as Hyaluronic Acid (HA). This substance exists naturally in the human body, and in the vocal folds. It has interesting bio-mechanical properties that are essential for correct phonation. HA inserts can offer temporary restoration of speech, but the substance is, in time, absorbed and the treatment has to be repeated.\r\rRecent stem cell research has identified a new and exciting alternative to HA implants. It has been observed that when adult stem-cells are implanted into a damaged vocal fold their presence stimulates natural regeneration of damaged tissue. This discovery is very significant, not just for vocal fold repair but for all fields of medicine that are seeking methods of repairing or replacing damaged tissue.\r\rThe focus of this research proposal is to develop the precision instrumentation required to quantify the effectiveness of stem-cell regeneration. There are two requirements, one is to develop techniques that are capable of measuring the bio-mechanical properties of healthy vocal folds, and then to use similar techniques to quantify the change in the bio-mechanical properties of damaged tissue after stem-cell treatment. We are interested in measuring both the absolute change in the elastic properties of the vocal fold, and assessing the time taken for those changes to take place.\r\rThis work will be part of two international collaborations; one is with Huddinge University Hospital in Stockholm, and the other with Wi" . "The ability to speak, known as phonation, is achieved by the controlled exhalation of air through the larynx. On each side of the larynx is stretched a soft tissue, known as the vocal folds. By controlling the tension in this tissue the air flow is modulated, resulting in a controlled variation of air pressure leaving the mouth. We call this speech. The best analogy is a wind instrument, such as an oboe, which creates sound waves as a result of the musician forcing air, in a controlled manner, across a 'reed'.\r\rWhen the vocal folds are damaged patients suffer from either disphonia, which means that their ability to speak is impaired, or aphonia, which means that they have totally lost the power of speech.\r\rOne therapy that is known to assist people suffering from either condition is 'tissue augmentation'. This means that a substance is inserted into a damaged vocal fold, such that its' bio-mechanical properties are restored. In effect stiff damaged tissue becomes soft and pliable, so that it is able to vibrate again. The main constituent of the substance that is often used is known as Hyaluronic Acid (HA). This substance exists naturally in the human body, and in the vocal folds. It has interesting bio-mechanical properties that are essential for correct" . . "2005-10-01" . "2007-09-30" . "No" . . "10664.93"^^ . "EP/D025591/1" . "Announced" . . "QUANTIFYING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STEM-CELL IMPLANTS TO PROMOTE SELF-HEALING OF THE VOCAL FOLD" . . . . . . "There is an increasing need to develop so-called sustainable materials that can be re-used easily and economically, for example, buildings and packaging from consumer items. This requires a radically different approach to material fabrication than is currently used. \r\rFirst, this proposal investigates possible approaches to this by using natural protein materials (peptides) that can be synthesised as molecules to bind particles together to form reversible material structures. These materials change their configuration and hence the forces binding the structure together can be modified by an external trigger. We plan to synthesis peptides that will fabricate new and advanced materials from minerals in the form of tiny particles (kaolonite, copper metal, copper oxides etc) contained in gel networks that the peptides can be formed into. We will investigate the disassembly of the materials by using changes to the chemistry (pH) to cause the peptides to release couplings to their specific mineral surfaces. The research challenges for us are to: synthesise the peptides in sufficient quantities; understand the fundamental science, through atomic force measurement, how they couple with the different minerals; fabricate the new materials structures; produce" . "There is an increasing need to develop so-called sustainable materials that can be re-used easily and economically, for example, buildings and packaging from consumer items. This requires a radically different approach to material fabrication than is currently used. \r\rFirst, this proposal investigates possible approaches to this by using natural protein materials (peptides) that can be synthesised as molecules to bind particles together to form reversible material structures. These materials change their configuration and hence the forces binding the structure together can be modified by an external trigger. We plan to synthesis peptides that will fabricate new and advanced materials from minerals in the form of tiny particles (kaolonite, copper metal, copper oxides etc) contained in gel networks that the peptides can be formed into. We will investigate the disassembly of the materials by using changes to the chemistry (pH) to cause the peptides to release couplings to their specific mineral surfaces. The research challenges for us are to: synthesise the peptides in sufficient quantities; understand the fundamental science, through atomic force measurement, how they couple with the different minerals; fabricate the new materials structures; produce a mechanical and chemical model for this behaviour. \r\rSecondly, the proposal investigates more efficient methods for providing very small particles to be recycled from existing mineral stockpile so that they can be re-used to become into new materials (and thereafter re-used again!). There are significant reserves of these materials that could be reused but the challenge is to separate out the desired mineral from the mixture in an efficient and low cost way. This will be based on recent new capabilities in mineral flotation. This is a process in which a mineral immersed in water is separated according to its surface wettability attaching to the gas bubble and becoming levitated to the surface of the mixture to form a foam that can be removed. We propose a fundamental study aimed at improving the rates of attachment of tiny particles to carrier gas bubbles; the use of a special gas bubble (called an aphron) that has a double layer of surfactant at the gas/liquid interface; and techniques based on varying the washing rate of the foam containing the floated mineral). Again measurement using atomic force microscopy will be required for improving our understanding and development of models. Fundamental measurements will suggest methods for optimising desig" . . "2006-02-01" . "2008-04-30" . "No" . . "335350.6618"^^ . "EP/D027411/1" . "Announced" . . "Fabrication of re-usable materials based on mineral particulates" . . . . . . "There is an increasing need to develop so-called sustainable materials that can be re-used easily and economically, for example, buildings and packaging from consumer items. This requires a radically different approach to material fabrication than is currently used. \r\rFirst, this proposal investigates possible approaches to this by using natural protein materials (peptides) that can be synthesised as molecules to bind particles together to form reversible material structures. These materials change their configuration and hence the forces binding the structure together can be modified by an external trigger. We plan to synthesis peptides that will fabricate new and advanced materials from minerals in the form of tiny particles (kaolonite, copper metal, copper oxides etc) contained in gel networks that the peptides can be formed into. We will investigate the disassembly of the materials by using changes to the chemistry (pH) to cause the peptides to release couplings to their specific mineral surfaces. The research challenges for us are to: synthesise the peptides in sufficient quantities; understand the fundamental science, through atomic force measurement, how they couple with the different minerals; fabricate the new materials structures; produce" . "There is an increasing need to develop so-called sustainable materials that can be re-used easily and economically, for example, buildings and packaging from consumer items. This requires a radically different approach to material fabrication than is currently used. \r\rFirst, this proposal investigates possible approaches to this by using natural protein materials (peptides) that can be synthesised as molecules to bind particles together to form reversible material structures. These materials change their configuration and hence the forces binding the structure together can be modified by an external trigger. We plan to synthesis peptides that will fabricate new and advanced materials from minerals in the form of tiny particles (kaolonite, copper metal, copper oxides etc) contained in gel networks that the peptides can be formed into. We will investigate the disassembly of the materials by using changes to the chemistry (pH) to cause the peptides to release couplings to their specific mineral surfaces. The research challenges for us are to: synthesise the peptides in sufficient quantities; understand the fundamental science, through atomic force measurement, how they couple with the different minerals; fabricate the new materials structures; produce a mechanical and chemical model for this behaviour. \r\rSecondly, the proposal investigates more efficient methods for providing very small particles to be recycled from existing mineral stockpile so that they can be re-used to become into new materials (and thereafter re-used again!). There are significant reserves of these materials that could be reused but the challenge is to separate out the desired mineral from the mixture in an efficient and low cost way. This will be based on recent new capabilities in mineral flotation. This is a process in which a mineral immersed in water is separated according to its surface wettability attaching to the gas bubble and becoming levitated to the surface of the mixture to form a foam that can be removed. We propose a fundamental study aimed at improving the rates of attachment of tiny particles to carrier gas bubbles; the use of a special gas bubble (called an aphron) that has a double layer of surfactant at the gas/liquid interface; and techniques based on varying the washing rate of the foam containing the floated mineral). Again measurement using atomic force microscopy will be required for improving our understanding and development of models. Fundamental measurements will suggest methods for optimising desig" . . "2006-04-03" . "2008-04-02" . "No" . . "103676.96"^^ . "EP/D027942/1" . "Announced" . . "Fabrication of re-usable materials based on mineral particulates" . . . . . "There is an increasing need to develop so-called sustainable materials that can be re-used easily and economically, for example, buildings and packaging from consumer items. This requires a radically different approach to material fabrication than is currently used. \r\rFirst, this proposal investigates possible approaches to this by using natural protein materials (peptides) that can be synthesised as molecules to bind particles together to form reversible material structures. These materials change their configuration and hence the forces binding the structure together can be modified by an external trigger. We plan to synthesis peptides that will fabricate new and advanced materials from minerals in the form of tiny particles (kaolonite, copper metal, copper oxides etc) contained in gel networks that the peptides can be formed into. We will investigate the disassembly of the materials by using changes to the chemistry (pH) to cause the peptides to release couplings to their specific mineral surfaces. The research challenges for us are to: synthesise the peptides in sufficient quantities; understand the fundamental science, through atomic force measurement, how they couple with the different minerals; fabricate the new materials structures; produce a mechanical and chemical model for this behaviour. \r\rSecondly, the proposal investigates more efficient methods for providing very small particles to be recycled from existing mineral stockpile so that they can be re-used to become into new materials (and thereafter re-used again!). There are significant reserves of these materials that could be reused but the challenge is to separate out the desired mineral from the mixture in an efficient and low cost way. This will be based on recent new capabilities in mineral flotation. This is a process in which a mineral immersed in water is separated according to its surface wettability attaching to the gas bubble and becoming levitated to the surface of the mixture to form a foam that can be removed. We propose a fundamental study aimed at improving the rates of attachment of tiny particles to carrier gas bubbles; the use of a special gas bubble (called an aphron) that has a double layer of surfactant at the gas/liquid interface; and techniques based on varying the washing rate of the foam containing the floated mineral). Again measurement using atomic force microscopy will be required for improving our understanding and development of models. Fundamental measurements will suggest methods for optimising desig" . "There is an increasing need to develop so-called sustainable materials that can be re-used easily and economically, for example, buildings and packaging from consumer items. This requires a radically different approach to material fabrication than is currently used. \r\rFirst, this proposal investigates possible approaches to this by using natural protein materials (peptides) that can be synthesised as molecules to bind particles together to form reversible material structures. These materials change their configuration and hence the forces binding the structure together can be modified by an external trigger. We plan to synthesis peptides that will fabricate new and advanced materials from minerals in the form of tiny particles (kaolonite, copper metal, copper oxides etc) contained in gel networks that the peptides can be formed into. We will investigate the disassembly of the materials by using changes to the chemistry (pH) to cause the peptides to release couplings to their specific mineral surfaces. The research challenges for us are to: synthesise the peptides in sufficient quantities; understand the fundamental science, through atomic force measurement, how they couple with the different minerals; fabricate the new materials structures; produce" . . "2006-01-01" . "2007-12-31" . "No" . . "133479.17"^^ . "EP/D027985/1" . "Announced" . . "Fabrication of re-usable materials based on mineral particulates" . . . . . . "The individual metals of aluminium, magnesium and titanium, when mixed with other metals, comprise the so-called light alloys. Their low density and reasonable strength and stiffness combine to generate high strength to weight ratio materials that are attractive for transport applications, e.g. automotive, aerospace, light rail and shipping. Importantly, weight savings associated with light alloys compared with conventional steels contribute to significant fuel saving and environmental protection. Consequently, light alloys are the materials of choice in the transport sector, with major additional benefits from recyclability. However, as a result of increasing competition, there is a need for further improvements in materials performance, the ability to support optimised structural designs, a lowering of manufacturing costs and a clearly recognised ability to perform reliably in service. The Portfolio Partnership recognises the strategic importance of light alloys and the difficulty of processing into sheet or bar, forming into complex shapes and joining by welding. Additionally, there is a need for surface engineering/modification to control the degradation of properties in service and to maintain performance and environmental compliance. Thus, an in-depth research programme is proposed, supported by research scientists with expertise across many areas, that targets improvements in light alloy properties and reduction in production costs, thereby allowing further exploitation of the potential of the alloys. In order to control light alloy properties, it is traditional to understand the internal structure on a microscale, whereby alloying elements and the manufacturing route influence the grain size, local chemistry and mechanical properties. However, the processing route also significantly influences the near-surface behaviour, which may be altered dramatically from the bulk material. The effective progression of the research will be assisted by the sophisticated equipment available to the Partnership, enabling the controlling influences to be identified and understood from the nanoscale upwards and thereby providing solutions to the engineering difficulties introduced earlier. In the Partnership, the research considers the bulk, near-surface and surface properties, and their inter-relationships, which distinguishes it from research elsewhere. Further, the size of the partnership, with its associated interactions, allows an exciting and innovative programme of research to be undertaken readily and eff" . "The individual metals of aluminium, magnesium and titanium, when mixed with other metals, comprise the so-called light alloys. Their low density and reasonable strength and stiffness combine to generate high strength to weight ratio materials that are attractive for transport applications, e.g. automotive, aerospace, light rail and shipping. Importantly, weight savings associated with light alloys compared with conventional steels contribute to significant fuel saving and environmental protection. Consequently, light alloys are the materials of choice in the transport sector, with major additional benefits from recyclability. However, as a result of increasing competition, there is a need for further improvements in materials performance, the ability to support optimised structural designs, a lowering of manufacturing costs and a clearly recognised ability to perform reliably in service. The Portfolio Partnership recognises the strategic importance of light alloys and the difficulty of processing into sheet or bar, forming into complex shapes and joining by welding. Additionally, there is a need for surface engineering/modification to control the degradation of properties in service and to maintain performance and environmental compliance. Thus, an in-d" . . "2005-04-01" . "2010-09-30" . "Yes" . . "6725687.45"^^ . "EP/D029201/1" . "Announced" . . "New Portfolio Partnership - Light alloys for Environmentally Sustainable Transport" . . . . . . "In the late 1990's measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation and distant supernovae confirmed that around 70% of the energy in the universe is in the form of gravitationally-repulsive dark energy. This dark energy is not only responsible for the accelerating expansion of the universe but also was the driving force for the big bang. A possible source of this dark energy is vacuum fluctuations which arise from the finite zero-point energy of a quantum mechanical oscillator, hf/2 (where f is the oscillator frequency). Much experimental and theoretical astrophysics and cosmology research is currently focussed on confirming the source of dark energy.\r\rA recent publication by Beck and Mackey, however, suggests the possibility that dark energy may be measured in the laboratory using resistively-shunted Josephson junctions (RS-JJ's). Vacuum fluctuations in the resistive shunt at low temperatures can be measured by non-linear mixing within the Josephson junction. If vacuum fluctuations are responsible for dark energy, the finite value of the dark energy density in the universe (as measured by astronomical observations) sets an upper frequency limit on the spectrum of the quantum fluctuations in this resistive shunt. Beck and Mackey calculated an upper bound on this cut-off frequency of 1.69 THz.\r\rMeasurements of quantum noise in Josephson junctions were performed in a quite different context in the early 1980's. Most notably for this work, the spectrum of zero-point fluctuations in RS-JJ's was measured by the BErkeley group, but only up to 0.6 THz. The upper frequency limit of these measurements was dictated by the gap energy of the lead-alloy superconductors used in that experiment. At higher frequencies tunnelling of quasiparticles dominates over all other electronic processes.\r\rWe therefore propose to perform measurements of the quantum noise in RS-JJ's fabricated using superconductors with sufficiently large gap energies that the full noise spectrum up to and beyond 1.69 THz can be measured. Unfortunately niobium junctions, which may now be repeatably and reproducibly fabricated, have a cut-off frequency of, at best, 1.5 THz. There are two candidate families of superconductor which present themselves as viable alternatives to niobium: the nitrides and the cuprates. Nitride junctions have cut-off frequencies of around 2.5 THz, which should give sufficiently low quasiparticle current noise around 1.69 THz at accessible measurement temperatures. Cuprate superconductors have an energy gap an order" . "In the late 1990's measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation and distant supernovae confirmed that around 70% of the energy in the universe is in the form of gravitationally-repulsive dark energy. This dark energy is not only responsible for the accelerating expansion of the universe but also was the driving force for the big bang. A possible source of this dark energy is vacuum fluctuations which arise from the finite zero-point energy of a quantum mechanical oscillator, hf/2 (where f is the oscillator frequency). Much experimental and theoretical astrophysics and cosmology research is currently focussed on confirming the source of dark energy.\r\rA recent publication by Beck and Mackey, however, suggests the possibility that dark energy may be measured in the laboratory using resistively-shunted Josephson junctions (RS-JJ's). Vacuum fluctuations in the resistive shunt at low temperatures can be measured by non-linear mixing within the Josephson junction. If vacuum fluctuations are responsible for dark energy, the finite value of the dark energy density in the universe (as measured by astronomical observations) sets an upper frequency limit on the spectrum of the quantum fluctuations in this resistive shunt. Beck and Mackey calculated an u" . . "2006-04-01" . "2009-03-31" . "No" . . "242348.0716"^^ . "EP/D029783/1" . "Announced" . . "Externally-Shunted High-Gap Josephson Junctions: Design, Fabrication and Noise Measurements" . . . . . . "In the late 1990's measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation and distant supernovae confirmed that around 70% of the energy in the universe is in the form of gravitationally-repulsive dark energy. This dark energy is not only responsible for the accelerating expansion of the universe but also was the driving force for the big bang. A possible source of this dark energy is vacuum fluctuations which arise from the finite zero-point energy of a quantum mechanical oscillator, hf/2 (where f is the oscillator frequency). Much experimental and theoretical astrophysics and cosmology research is currently focussed on confirming the source of dark energy.\r\rA recent publication by Beck and Mackey, however, suggests the possibility that dark energy may be measured in the laboratory using resistively-shunted Josephson junctions (RS-JJ's). Vacuum fluctuations in the resistive shunt at low temperatures can be measured by non-linear mixing within the Josephson junction. If vacuum fluctuations are responsible for dark energy, the finite value of the dark energy density in the universe (as measured by astronomical observations) sets an upper frequency limit on the spectrum of the quantum fluctuations in this resistive shunt. Beck and Mackey calculated an u" . "In the late 1990's measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation and distant supernovae confirmed that around 70% of the energy in the universe is in the form of gravitationally-repulsive dark energy. This dark energy is not only responsible for the accelerating expansion of the universe but also was the driving force for the big bang. A possible source of this dark energy is vacuum fluctuations which arise from the finite zero-point energy of a quantum mechanical oscillator, hf/2 (where f is the oscillator frequency). Much experimental and theoretical astrophysics and cosmology research is currently focussed on confirming the source of dark energy.\r\rA recent publication by Beck and Mackey, however, suggests the possibility that dark energy may be measured in the laboratory using resistively-shunted Josephson junctions (RS-JJ's). Vacuum fluctuations in the resistive shunt at low temperatures can be measured by non-linear mixing within the Josephson junction. If vacuum fluctuations are responsible for dark energy, the finite value of the dark energy density in the universe (as measured by astronomical observations) sets an upper frequency limit on the spectrum of the quantum fluctuations in this resistive shunt. Beck and Mackey calculated an upper bound on this cut-off frequency of 1.69 THz.\r\rMeasurements of quantum noise in Josephson junctions were performed in a quite different context in the early 1980's. Most notably for this work, the spectrum of zero-point fluctuations in RS-JJ's was measured by the Berkeley group, but only up to 0.6 THz. The upper frequency limit of these measurements was dictated by the gap energy of the lead-alloy superconductors used in that experiment. At higher frequencies tunnelling of quasiparticles dominates over all other electronic processes.\r\rWe therefore propose to perform measurements of the quantum noise in RS-JJ's fabricated using superconductors with sufficiently large gap energies that the full noise spectrum up to and beyond 1.69 THz can be measured. Unfortunately niobium junctions, which may now be repeatably and reproducibly fabricated, have a cut-off frequency of, at best, 1.5 THz. There are two candidate families of superconductor which present themselves as viable alternatives to niobium: the nitrides and the cuprates. Nitride junctions have cut-off frequencies of around 2.5 THz, which should give sufficiently low quasiparticle current noise around 1.69 THz at accessible measurement temperatures. Cuprate superconductors have an energy gap an order" . . "2006-06-16" . "2009-06-15" . "No" . . "199089.9476"^^ . "EP/D029872/1" . "Announced" . . "Externally-Shunted High-Gap Josephson Junctions: Design, Fabrication and Noise Measurements" . . . . . . "This project will build on experiences communicating research at the Celebration of UK Engineering event. Young people (14-18 year olds) will be targeted in the proposed project, activities will be developed to promote the medical applications of engineering and encourage wider participation in science and engineering disciplines at university level.\r\rThe reduction in application rates for engineering degrees continues to be a cause for concern, engaging young people is seen as critical to reverse this trend. We are proposing to develop interactive experiments and accompanying workshops to engage, inspire and motivate young people. The interactives will be a common theme throughout the project; these include a demonstration of the forces acting through the hip, and experiments looking as the friction and wear of different materials. The associated workshop activities will vary dependent on the age group to address different learning outcomes.\r14-16 year olds, the interactives created will be used in workshops, which will be designed to link into the learning outcomes of key stage 4 of the national curriculum. Workshops will be held in the University and researchers will be able to take them out to schools/youth groups. The availability of workshops" . "This project will build on experiences communicating research at the Celebration of UK Engineering event. Young people (14-18 year olds) will be targeted in the proposed project, activities will be developed to promote the medical applications of engineering and encourage wider participation in science and engineering disciplines at university level.\r\rThe reduction in application rates for engineering degrees continues to be a cause for concern, engaging young people is seen as critical to reverse this trend. We are proposing to develop interactive experiments and accompanying workshops to engage, inspire and motivate young people. The interactives will be a common theme throughout the project; these include a demonstration of the forces acting through the hip, and experiments looking as the friction and wear of different materials. The associated workshop activities will vary dependent on the age group to address different learning outcomes.\r14-16 year olds, the interactives created will be used in workshops, which will be designed to link into the learning outcomes of key stage 4 of the national curriculum. Workshops will be held in the University and researchers will be able to take them out to schools/youth groups. The availability of workshops will be promoted though the SetNet network. Additionally, the iMBE has an exhibition at the Thackray Museum (Leeds), targeting this age group, school groups visiting the exhibition will be given details of the workshops to use as a follow up activity.\r16-18 year olds will be targeted, with an emphasis placed on undergraduate recruitment. These students will be contacted through university admissions. 'Taster' days will be used to replace more traditional open days. The interactives created in the project will be used for small groups to solve bioengineering problems, with links to the undergraduate medical engineering course highlighted.\r\rInteractives and workshops will be designed and written in collaboration with science educators and communicators. Full evaluation following activities will be undertaken." . . "2006-01-01" . "2006-12-31" . "No" . . "20102.4392"^^ . "EP/D030846/1" . "Announced" . . "Making Human Engineering Real - Using bioengineering to inspire and engage young people" . . . . . . "Context - Spinal cord injury causes devastating changes to many of the normal functions of the body. Paralysis of the limbs is obvious, but the accompanying loss of pelvic floor function is sometimes more debilitating. For example, the social stigma of double incontinence, the medical dangers of pressure sores and the inconvenience of spasm are serious conditions requiring long-term treatment. Ideally, neural repair and the development of a so-called 'cure' would be the best solution, but even though this branch of science is exciting and expanding rapidly, the prospect for success is likely to be many years away. So, for the foreseeable future, other approaches to functional restoration must be pursued, particularly for the tens of thousands of patients with a chronic injury in the UK for whom a future 'cure' may not even be an option. The most successful device for functional restoration in spinal cord injury has been the well-known Brindley implant that stimulates the motor nerves to empty the bladder. About 3000 people have been implanted with such stimulators during the last 25 years. The main disadvantage of this implant, clinically and commercially, is that some sensory nerves have to be cut to prevent incontinence, and people perceive this as an o" . "Context - Spinal cord injury causes devastating changes to many of the normal functions of the body. Paralysis of the limbs is obvious, but the accompanying loss of pelvic floor function is sometimes more debilitating. For example, the social stigma of double incontinence, the medical dangers of pressure sores and the inconvenience of spasm are serious conditions requiring long-term treatment. Ideally, neural repair and the development of a so-called 'cure' would be the best solution, but even though this branch of science is exciting and expanding rapidly, the prospect for success is likely to be many years away. So, for the foreseeable future, other approaches to functional restoration must be pursued, particularly for the tens of thousands of patients with a chronic injury in the UK for whom a future 'cure' may not even be an option. The most successful device for functional restoration in spinal cord injury has been the well-known Brindley implant that stimulates the motor nerves to empty the bladder. About 3000 people have been implanted with such stimulators during the last 25 years. The main disadvantage of this implant, clinically and commercially, is that some sensory nerves have to be cut to prevent incontinence, and people perceive this as an obstacle to benefiting from 'the cure'.\rRather than cutting sensory nerves, it is possible to stimulate them to prevent urinary incontinence. This is commonly known as neuromodulation. Neuromodulation also improves bowel capacity and suppresses spasm. In addition to these benefits, stimulating the motor nerves, not only gives efficient bladder and bowel emptying but also erections, and, by stimulating the gluteal muscles, reduces the likelihood of pressure sores over the buttocks. We believe that all this can be achieved with a 4-channel stimulator.\rThe main questions for this study are: (i) can we empty the bladder and provide the other functions by stimulating the motor nerves within the spinal canal? (ii) can we use feedback from bladder sensory nerves to initiate neuromodulation when the bladder contracts?\r \rAims - The aim of this project is to develop and make a novel multi-functional implant. This will be tested in eight volunteers with spinal cord injury so that the functions mentioned above can be assessed in the laboratory and evaluated in everyday life. The engineering and clinical testing of this device will be a necessary step towards designing a commercial system. \r\rApplication & Benefits - The principal beneficiaries of this project are peo" . . "2006-01-01" . "2009-09-30" . "Yes" . . "534856.9966"^^ . "EP/D03146X/1" . "Announced" . . "A Novel Stimulator Implant with Sensory Feedback for Multi-Functional Restoration after Spinal Cord Injury" . . . . . . "In the last few years, there has been an exerted effort to fabricate objects and materials with integrate detail on the nanometre scale, which involves sizes not much larger than that of an individual atom. This extreme miniaturization allows, for example, ever more powerful and compact electronic devices with the capacity for massive information storage. One new strategy for constructing ultrahigh-capacity storage devices involves imprinting patterns onto a silicon wafer (i.e., lithography) from thin films of structured block copolymers. Indeed, long-chain polymers molecules have become one of the important building-blocks in this emerging field of nanotechnology, and in order to use them effectively we must be able to accurately model their behaviour.\r\rThis project aims to develop efficient and accurate computational techniques for predicting the behaviour of structured polymers in systems with axial symmetry (these are systems that remain unchanged when rotated about a particular axis). Our computational algorithms will then be used to study three distinct systems: nanocomposite materials, block-copolymer micelles and polymer-coated colloids. The nanocomposites have potential uses in the development of optical-wavelength photonic crystals, which some" . "In the last few years, there has been an exerted effort to fabricate objects and materials with integrate detail on the nanometre scale, which involves sizes not much larger than that of an individual atom. This extreme miniaturization allows, for example, ever more powerful and compact electronic devices with the capacity for massive information storage. One new strategy for constructing ultrahigh-capacity storage devices involves imprinting patterns onto a silicon wafer (i.e., lithography) from thin films of structured block copolymers. Indeed, long-chain polymers molecules have become one of the important building-blocks in this emerging field of nanotechnology, and in order to use them effectively we must be able to accurately model their behaviour.\r\rThis project aims to develop efficient and accurate computational techniques for predicting the behaviour of structured polymers in systems with axial symmetry (these are systems that remain unchanged when rotated about a particular axis). Our computational algorithms will then be used to study three distinct systems: nanocomposite materials, block-copolymer micelles and polymer-coated colloids. The nanocomposites have potential uses in the development of optical-wavelength photonic crystals, which some day may see the replacement of conventional electronics by much faster light-based devises. Among the possible applications of block-copolymer micelles (or vesicles) is in drug delivery, which requires providing a protective coating that disassembles once the drug arrives at its intended location within the human body. Our last application involves efforts to disperse small particles (colloids) in solution, such as the pigments in latex paint. The challenge here is to prevent the colloidal particles from sticking together, which can be accomplished by attaching polymer molecules to their surfaces." . . "2006-05-01" . "2009-08-31" . "No" . . "108269.66"^^ . "EP/D031494/1" . "Announced" . . "SCFT algorithms for polymeric systems with axial symmetry, and applications to colloids, micelles, and nanocomposites" . . . . . . "Dislocations are elongated microscopic faults in crystals. If they are visualized, which is possible with high magnification electron microscopes, they would appear to be a tangle of filaments running through otherwise perfect crystalline regions. The way in which they are created has been studied for decades; however while there has been considerable success in understanding the behaviour of dislocations in simple, single strained-layer systems, the study of important multi-layered systems has been impeded by the absence of a theoretical basis upon which to base any experimental study. Since Professor Usher and coworkers have now developed such a theory it is necessary to test the theory in technologically significant, multi-layered strained material systems. This is the intention of the present study.\r\rThe creation, movement and multiplication of dislocations is driven by internal and external stresses. In the case of the metals used in aircraft or automotive frames and components, external stresses acting on dislocations can lead to cracks that propagate through the structure and result in catastrophic failure. For semiconductor devices, stationary dislocations in relatively small numbers may not be a problem. However many devices include strai" . "Dislocations are elongated microscopic faults in crystals. If they are visualized, which is possible with high magnification electron microscopes, they would appear to be a tangle of filaments running through otherwise perfect crystalline regions. The way in which they are created has been studied for decades; however while there has been considerable success in understanding the behaviour of dislocations in simple, single strained-layer systems, the study of important multi-layered systems has been impeded by the absence of a theoretical basis upon which to base any experimental study. Since Professor Usher and coworkers have now developed such a theory it is necessary to test the theory in technologically significant, multi-layered strained material systems. This is the intention of the present study.\r\rThe creation, movement and multiplication of dislocations is driven by internal and external stresses. In the case of the metals used in aircraft or automotive frames and components, external stresses acting on dislocations can lead to cracks that propagate through the structure and result in catastrophic failure. For semiconductor devices, stationary dislocations in relatively small numbers may not be a problem. However many devices include strained layers which are necessary for their function and the internal stresses associated with these layers can act to first move and then multiply to create new dislocations. As an example, the lasers found in the pickup of CD players include a thin 'quantum well' (QW) layer within which electrons are confined before losing energy and emitting a photon. In a device made from high quality, dislocation-free materials, most of the electrons within the QW will emit a photon as they lose energy. However if a high density of dislocations is created in a QW, electrons will lose energy when they meet them without emitting light, and the electron energy is lost to vibrations of the crystal lattice rather than being converted into light. As the amount of light emitted reduces, more and more electrons must be injected into the QW to maintain the level of light output. This results in the device temperature increasing, which in turn accelerates the processes of dislocation movement, multiplication and creation and the device eventually fails. \r\rA further example of the disastrous consequences of high densities of dislocations can be found in fast transistors that employ a strained layer within which the electrons flow. The speed of the electrons depends mainly o" . . "2006-03-01" . "2007-02-28" . "No" . . "18297.76"^^ . "EP/D03163X/1" . "Announced" . . "Dislocation Configurations in Strained Multilayered Semiconductor Structures" . . . . . . "Accessible communications are becoming an important part of most peoples everyday life. Both business and private users increasingly expect to be able to contact people and get information from any location, not just while at the office or workplace. The incredible success of the mobile phone has further increased the expectations of users in this area. To cater for this demand, a new generation of connectivity possibilities based on wireless local area networks (LAN's) named Wi-Fi is being established.\rWi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity allows you to connect to the Internet from your chair at home, a bed in a hotel room or a conference room at work without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology like a cell phone. Wi-Fi enabled computers send and receive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a base station. It's several times faster than the fastest cable modem connection and is rapidly being installed in many locations, such as corporate facilities, in airports, hotels, coffee shops and other public areas equipped with Wi-Fi access.\rWi-Fi is based upon an Industry standard technology known as the IEEE 802. This is relatively easy and inexpensive to implement and is being widely deployed in many public areas and commercial settings. It has been e" . "Accessible communications are becoming an important part of most peoples everyday life. Both business and private users increasingly expect to be able to contact people and get information from any location, not just while at the office or workplace. The incredible success of the mobile phone has further increased the expectations of users in this area. To cater for this demand, a new generation of connectivity possibilities based on wireless local area networks (LAN's) named Wi-Fi is being established.\rWi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity allows you to connect to the Internet from your chair at home, a bed in a hotel room or a conference room at work without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology like a cell phone. Wi-Fi enabled computers send and receive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a base station. It's several times faster than the fastest cable modem connection and is rapidly being installed in many locations, such as corporate facilities, in airports, hotels, coffee shops and other public areas equipped with Wi-Fi access.\rWi-Fi is based upon an Industry standard technology known as the IEEE 802. This is relatively easy and inexpensive to implement and is being widely deployed in many public areas and commercial settings. It has been estimated that over 30 million Wi-Fi cards would ship in 2004 illustrating the impressive rate of growth of this technology. \rWi-Fi transmissions can thus be viewed as a future, widely available local area signal. Apart from the communications aspect, these signals have the potential to be used for other purposes. Particularly of interest is the possibility of detecting objects and people using the principles of Radar. In conventional Radar pulses are transmitted and received by the same equipment. In its simplest form this allows the user to detect whether a target is present and how far away from the radar it is by the time delay before the pulse is returned. IF the transmitter and receiver are separated then the processing is slightly more complex but the basic principles still apply.\rUsing Wi-Fi transmissions for this purpose could lead to the development of a surveillance capability from a ubiquitous and accessible source. All the transmissions would already be available and a relatively simple receiver systems could be designed to carry out this task. Such a system could have be used for many purposes including improving internal and external security and identification and tracking of goods and people.\rThere are, of course, many problems to be ov" . . "2006-03-01" . "2007-02-28" . "No" . . "55382.03"^^ . "EP/D032172/1" . "Announced" . . "Detection and Tracking using the 802.11 Wireless Network (Resubmission)" . . . . . . "This proposal is to support the development, training and core componants of the successful national Ion Beam Centre. Innovations over the next four years include: extending the DanFysik Implanter to give a low energy capability (down to 200 eV); replacing the beam line on the 2MV implanter to give an 8 inch wafer capability; add a verifiable low dose capability for ion beam induced damage studies. Funding is being sort from other sources to also build a horizontal and vertical nanobeam to expand both ion beam analysis capabilities and exploit research at the biomedical interface.\r\rAn added advantage of these developments will be to place the IBC in a position that it will be able to expand its research base from micro electronic materials into new areas including cultural heritage, biomedical applications, nanotechnology and geology and cosmology. \r\rIn 4 years time we expect the IBC to be funded: One third from industry; one third from other funding bodies; one third from EPSRC. This will significantly reduce the amount of funding requested from EPSRC.\r\rEfficiency gains within the IBC will allow us to reduce the ticket price from 240 currently to 180 for this new grant period." . . "2006-03-01" . "2010-02-28" . "Yes" . . "2271580.3872"^^ . "EP/D032210/1" . "Announced" . . "University of Surrey Ion Beam Centre" . . . . . . "Mixing is encountered in over 25% of all chemical engineering and related processes such as the manufacture of foodstuff, paints, pharmaceuticals and biomaterial processing. Design and optimisation of mixing processes is hindered by a lack of understanding of the mixing mechanisms involved, especially at the smallest scales where the energy input to promote mixing is dissipated. In order to aid understanding of mixing processes and to aid formulation of improved models for process prediction, the flow and turbulence characteristics of mixing vessels will be studied by employing state-of-the-art experimental and analysis approaches that will inform how mixing is accomplished at different flow scales and by separately identifying the effects of rotation and strain so that both the mixing potential and the shear effects on reactants can be appreciated. Existing mixing models will be assessed and improvements will be suggested based on the findings of the work, aiming in particular to identify more accurate estimates of the energy dissipated and to formulate simple models based on a rigorous scientific approach. The research will aid improved mixing process design and will facilitate more reliable prediction methods." . . "2006-09-18" . "2009-09-17" . "Yes" . . "202977.15"^^ . "EP/D032539/1" . "Announced" . . "Multiscale vorticity and strain dynamics in mixing processes and implications for micromixing modelling" . . . . . . "Multi-scale structure is a key component of many (if not all) complex systems where phenomena at one scale can produce unexpected results at another. The aim of this summer school is to provide a training in the mathematical and numerical techniques required to understand multi-scale structure, put firmly in the context of applications and interdisciplinary interactions. The summer school will have at its core four instructional courses given by leading experts on the themes of: A. Modelling and analysis of multiple scale problems, B. Modelling and simulation of microstructure evolution, C. Multi-scale analysis and stochastic differential equations, D. Multi-scale behaviour in the geosciences. These will be supplemented by tutorial sessions. There will also be a series of seminars on complex systems given by expert researchers from academia and industry. The summer school will provide an opportunity for the attendees to both learn the techniques described above, and also to network across the disciplines. There will be an opportunity for PhD students to describe their work to a broad audience and all attendees will be registered on the mailing list of the Bath Institute for Complex Systems. This will allow them to be informed of future developments and events in the field of Complex Systems." . "Multi-scale structure is a key component of many (if not all) complex systems where phenomena at one scale can produce unexpected results at another. The aim of this summer school is to provide a training in the mathematical and numerical techniques required to understand multi-scale structure, put firmly in the context of applications and interdisciplinary interactions. The summer school will have at its core four instructional courses given by leading experts on the themes of: A. Modelling and analysis of multiple scale problems, B. Modelling and simulation of microstructure evolution, C. Multi-scale analysis and stochastic differential equations, D. Multi-scale behaviour in the geosciences. These will be supplemented by tutorial sessions. There will also be a series of seminars on complex systems given by expert researchers from academia and industry. The summer school will provide an opportunity for the attendees to both learn the techniques described above, and also to network across the disciplines. There will be an opportunity for PhD students to describe their work to a broad audience and all attendees will be registered on the mailing list of the Bath Institute for Complex Systems. This will allow them to be informed of future developments and ev" . . "2006-04-01" . "2006-09-30" . "No" . . "46008.8988"^^ . "EP/D033098/1" . "Announced" . . "'Modelling Across the Scales'" . . . . . . "Currently cell physical properties and behaviour measurements are mainly performed using microscopy imaging systems. The tasks of cell culture, monitoring and manipulation is tedious and time consuming. Cell responses to external stimuli are frequently difficult to visualise in real time. To overcome such difficulties and to enable consistent quantitative measurement of cell properties and behaviour, this project proposes to develop an integrated cell monitoring system by using the information derived from the dynamics of plate submerged in cell culture fluid and advanced system identification techniques. The dynamics and sound radiation of a three dimensional plate at the micro scale in a liquid environment is a new research domain which will pose interesting investigation and contribute to the microtechnology research field. The sensed multi-modal dynamical behaviour of the plate will be interpreted by a micro-fabricated sensing system integrating power input, micro-fabrication technologies, advanced sensing and embedded information technologies. Using advanced system identification methodologies and embedded IT tools such as Karhunen-Loeve decomposition method and artificial neural networks, the dynamical information will be correlated to the state and characteristics of the dynamical cell properties. The integration of the plate dynamics, microfabricated sensing system and advanced system identification system will be fully tested in various cell property and behaviour measurement applications. These unique and important results will be investigated with respect to cell morphology, migration, proliferation, differentiation, contractility during cell culture and growth processes." . "Currently cell physical properties and behaviour measurements are mainly performed using microscopy imaging systems. The tasks of cell culture, monitoring and manipulation is tedious and time consuming. Cell responses to external stimuli are frequently difficult to visualise in real time. To overcome such difficulties and to enable consistent quantitative measurement of cell properties and behaviour, this project proposes to develop an integrated cell monitoring system by using the information derived from the dynamics of plate submerged in cell culture fluid and advanced system identification techniques. The dynamics and sound radiation of a three dimensional plate at the micro scale in a liquid environment is a new research domain which will pose interesting investigation and contribute to the microtechnology research field. The sensed multi-modal dynamical behaviour of the plate will be interpreted by a micro-fabricated sensing system integrating power input, micro-fabrication technologies, advanced sensing and embedded information technologies. Using advanced system identification methodologies and embedded IT tools such as Karhunen-Loeve decomposition method and artificial neural networks, the dynamical information will be correlated to the state and" . . "2006-09-01" . "2010-04-30" . "Yes" . . "271811.4846"^^ . "EP/D033284/1" . "Announced" . . "Submerged Micro Plate Dynamic Characterisation and its Application for Cell Measurement" . . . . . . "The development of methodology in the isolation and characterisation of biological RNA has had a somewhat chequered history alongside comparable methods for the analysis of its macromolecular counterparts DNA and proteins. Moreover the extraction, isolation and analysis of RNA is routinely more difficult in comparison to that required for DNA. In approaching the problem of RNA isolation the stability is of immediate concern. RNA is susceptible to degradation, rendering the initial stages of extraction and the downstream storage of the purified material more challenging than for DNA. \r\rTotal RNA extracted from cells contain two most abundant species corresponding to the two major RNAs (ribosomal RNAs). The other major RNA molecules include a species specific transfer RNA and smaller ribosomal RNA species. More recently the focus of much research has been performed into the roles played by a group of small RNA species referred to as small nuclear RNAs . These small RNAs are about 22 nucleotides in length and often function to regulate gene expression. The isolation and analysis of such RNAs remains problematic. The increasing importance in the identification of such RNA species requires the development of technology to overcome many of the caveats associated with current methods. The enrichment and isolation of high quality small RNAs in conjunction with rapid separation mechanisms and high sensitivity is the subject that this proposal wishes to address.\r\rAgainst this background it is proposed to develop analytical methodology in the analysis of RNA. The development of novel techniques in RNA analysis and its application in the study of miRNA is an ideal forum for a multi-disciplinary experimental programme, encompassing aspects of analytical techniques in the analysis of biological systems. The research will be performed within the Systems Biology group in the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Sheffield" . "The development of methodology in the isolation and characterisation of biological RNA has had a somewhat chequered history alongside comparable methods for the analysis of its macromolecular counterparts DNA and proteins. Moreover the extraction, isolation and analysis of RNA is routinely more difficult in comparison to that required for DNA. In approaching the problem of RNA isolation the stability is of immediate concern. RNA is susceptible to degradation, rendering the initial stages of extraction and the downstream storage of the purified material more challenging than for DNA. \r\rTotal RNA extracted from cells contain two most abundant species corresponding to the two major RNAs (ribosomal RNAs). The other major RNA molecules include a species specific transfer RNA and smaller ribosomal RNA species. More recently the focus of much research has been performed into the roles played by a group of small RNA species referred to as small nuclear RNAs . These small RNAs are about 22 nucleotides in length and often function to regulate gene expression. The isolation and analysis of such RNAs remains problematic. The increasing importance in the identification of such RNA species requires the development of technology to overcome many of the caveats associat" . . "2006-07-01" . "2009-12-31" . "Yes" . . "124755.1692"^^ . "EP/D033713/1" . "Announced" . . "Development of analytical approaches in the analysis of RNA" . . . . . . "Molecular self-assembly is very common in nature and has recently found its way into the laboratory where it emerged as a new approach in materials science and engineering. Materials that are made by self-assembly are made of simple molecular building blocks that are used to build much larger structures similar to Lego blocks that can be used to build larger objects. Due to the many different ways in which building blocks can be combined a wide range of properties and applications are possible. \r\rThis project seeks to develop new self assembled materials based on the building blocks of natural materials: the building blocks of proteins known as amino acids. There are 20 amino acids which make up tens of thousands of proteins in the body. In nature these building blocks tend to self assemble into macroscopic structures. One important type of structure that is formed are the hydrogels. These are gel-like materials which have a high water content, similar to many tissues in the body. Because of the very large number of possible ways to combine 20 building blocks, it is difficult to decide what combinations of amino acids are best. We plan to investigate them using new systematic approaches that are inspired by natural evolution.\r\rWe aim to use new evoluti" . "Molecular self-assembly is very common in nature and has recently found its way into the laboratory where it emerged as a new approach in materials science and engineering. Materials that are made by self-assembly are made of simple molecular building blocks that are used to build much larger structures similar to Lego blocks that can be used to build larger objects. Due to the many different ways in which building blocks can be combined a wide range of properties and applications are possible. \r\rThis project seeks to develop new self assembled materials based on the building blocks of natural materials: the building blocks of proteins known as amino acids. There are 20 amino acids which make up tens of thousands of proteins in the body. In nature these building blocks tend to self assemble into macroscopic structures. One important type of structure that is formed are the hydrogels. These are gel-like materials which have a high water content, similar to many tissues in the body. Because of the very large number of possible ways to combine 20 building blocks, it is difficult to decide what combinations of amino acids are best. We plan to investigate them using new systematic approaches that are inspired by natural evolution.\r\rWe aim to use new evolutionary techniques to design hydrogels with useful properties for growing cells to heal wounds in patients. The cells we are interested in are the ones that make cartilage which is found at the ends of bones and acts as a lubricant and a shock absorber. Many people suffer from diseases which cause a decrease in the quality and amount of cartilage so we want to develop new materials that can repair cartilage. Ideal hydrogels for growing cells contain lots of holes and have fibrous structures. Special microscopes will be used to allow us to look at the structure of the gels at very high magnification to look for holes and fibres of the right size. We will also need to determine the gels' mechanical properties i.e. how strong the gels are." . . "2006-04-27" . "2009-11-26" . "Yes" . . "632373.742"^^ . "EP/D033764/1" . "Announced" . . "Rationally designed self assembled peptide scaffolds for tissue regeneration" . . . . . . "The principal aim of the research proposal is to develop effective and biocompatible low cost adsorbents for blood purification. Insight into the relationship between the carbon microstructure on the removal of middle molecules (uraemic toxins) and the influence of the carbon's surface chemistry on the interaction of larger blood proteins (influencing the material's biocompatibility) will result in the development of effective and more economic adsorbents for blood purification. The research seeks to minimize any adverse inflammatory responses upon contact between the carbon adsorbent surface and blood. This will lead not only to new knowledge but also to new and better treatment therapies of direct benefit to patients suffering from renal and liver failure, sepsis and other clinical conditions." . . "2006-03-01" . "2006-08-31" . "No" . . "17211.73"^^ . "EP/D033837/1" . "Announced" . . "Application to host a visiting researcher to collaborate on biocompatible adsorbents for blood purification" . . . . . . "Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) devices are photovoltaic cells which produce electricity from the radiation emitted by heat sources such as are found in industrial combustion processes or domestic heaters. The close proximity of the cell to the source means that these cells have potentially 100-10,000 times the output of a silicon solar cell. Potential applications include industrial waste heat recovery, domestic combined heat and power (CHP), embedded generation, military applications, hydrogen powered transport, and solar concentrator systems.\rTPV cells currently available primarily use GaSb, an expensive material. This project aims to develop 3-terminal devices based on InGaAs/InP responding to both the 1-1.7 micron infrared region of the spectrum currently covered by GaSb and the shorter 0.5/1 micron region. These will exploit the advantages of cheaper InP substrates and higher efficiency from broader spectral coverage. In the longer term the project will assess potential for InP devices grown on silicon substrates to address the solar concentrator market.\r\rThis project will combine expertise from the semiconductor wafer manufacturer, WaferTech (a subsidiary of IQE, the commercial epitaxial grower) with epitaxial growth and processing expertise in the materials system InGaAs/InP at the CIP (Centre for Integrated Photonics), with the basic characterisation and device design work to be performed at the Oxford Physics dept.\r\rThe objectives are to produce prototype high efficiency, low cost photovoltaic cells based on InP/InGaAs technologies, in line with the priorities of the DTI Energy Technology program of cost reduction and better performance for photovoltaics. The specific targets are:\r1) To demonstrate that it is possible to produce a high efficiency photovoltaic cell sensitive to the near infrared part of the black body spectrum using InP substrates.\r2) To produce 3-terminal PV cells with independent responses to the wavelength ranges 1.2 - 1.7 and 0.5 - 1.2 microns, giving high efficiency for both solar and TPV applications. \r3) To understand the issues determining the cost of starting material and device fabrication, and to produce low cost substrates specifically for TPV devices.\r4) To investigate the feasibility of fabricating InP-based TPV cells on Si substrates using an intermediary oxide layer, and if appropriate to fabricate prototype devices." . "Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) devices are photovoltaic cells which produce electricity from the radiation emitted by heat sources such as are found in industrial combustion processes or domestic heaters. The close proximity of the cell to the source means that these cells have potentially 100-10,000 times the output of a silicon solar cell. Potential applications include industrial waste heat recovery, domestic combined heat and power (CHP), embedded generation, military applications, hydrogen powered transport, and solar concentrator systems.\rTPV cells currently available primarily use GaSb, an expensive material. This project aims to develop 3-terminal devices based on InGaAs/InP responding to both the 1-1.7 micron infrared region of the spectrum currently covered by GaSb and the shorter 0.5/1 micron region. These will exploit the advantages of cheaper InP substrates and higher efficiency from broader spectral coverage. In the longer term the project will assess potential for InP devices grown on silicon substrates to address the solar concentrator market.\r\rThis project will combine expertise from the semiconductor wafer manufacturer, WaferTech (a subsidiary of IQE, the commercial epitaxial grower) with epitaxial growth and processing expertise in the materi" . . "2005-11-01" . "2009-04-30" . "No" . . "234586.3576"^^ . "EP/D033845/1" . "Announced" . . "The development of advanced low cost InP based PhotoVoltaic Devices" . . . . . . "A strategic partnership will be created between Smiths, Oxford and Bristol University that will deliver a step change in Composites technology over the next five years, and lay the foundations for more far reaching innovation over the longer term. Two broad themes of research are proposed. The first one on low cost and 3-D composites will be led by Bristol with input from Oxford, and will provide new capabilities that can be applied in the next 3-5 years. The second theme on self actuating composites will be a joint activity, with Oxford laying out a 10 year technology roadmap and Bristol developing a number of innovative concepts which can be demonstrated within a five year timescale. \r\rThe research on low cost composites will develop automated manufacturing techniques using robotics and mechanical forming and apply low-cost, rapid tooling techniques such as freeze-cast ceramics. It will also seek to use innovative 3-D fibre architectures (e.g. weaves, braids, fabrics) to reduce manufacturing costs whilst providing the excellent mechanical performance necessary for future aerospace applications.\r\rThe proposed activities to develop self-actuating composites offer exciting opportunities to integrate novel methods of actuation, sensing and health monit" . "A strategic partnership will be created between Smiths, Oxford and Bristol University that will deliver a step change in Composites technology over the next five years, and lay the foundations for more far reaching innovation over the longer term. Two broad themes of research are proposed. The first one on low cost and 3-D composites will be led by Bristol with input from Oxford, and will provide new capabilities that can be applied in the next 3-5 years. The second theme on self actuating composites will be a joint activity, with Oxford laying out a 10 year technology roadmap and Bristol developing a number of innovative concepts which can be demonstrated within a five year timescale. \r\rThe research on low cost composites will develop automated manufacturing techniques using robotics and mechanical forming and apply low-cost, rapid tooling techniques such as freeze-cast ceramics. It will also seek to use innovative 3-D fibre architectures (e.g. weaves, braids, fabrics) to reduce manufacturing costs whilst providing the excellent mechanical performance necessary for future aerospace applications.\r\rThe proposed activities to develop self-actuating composites offer exciting opportunities to integrate novel methods of actuation, sensing and health monitoring within future high performance aerospace structures e.g. shape changing aerofoils. 'State-of-the-art' emerging technologies such as piezo- and magneto-strictives, shape memory materials, morphing composites and novel electromechanical devices will be developed and demonstrated. \r\rThe core programme of activities outlined in this grant will run alongside a substantial programme of existing research, for example our EU Morphing Wing project. Four experienced researchers will be appointed, three at Bristol and one at Oxford. In addition, one senior Research Fellow and 7 PhD studentships not funded under this grant have been committed to the Partnership providing a critical mass of researchers from the outset. A new, dedicated physical centre will be established at Bristol for staff and students linked to offices where related research is carried out, and with additional desks for visitors from Oxford and Smiths. There will also be secondment of staff between the Universities and Smiths and regular joint seminars. The many new ideas certain to emerge during this cutting edge programme will be developed into further proposals for funding from UK and EU sources to create a portfolio of world-class research generating exciting new technologies for ex" . . "2006-01-01" . "2010-12-31" . "Yes" . "892950.7232"^^ . "EP/D03423X/1" . "Announced" . . "SMiths Aerospace Research and Technology Partnership on COMPosites (SMARTCOMP)" . . . . . . "A strategic partnership will be created between Smiths, Oxford and Bristol University that will deliver a step change in Composites technology over the next five years, and lay the foundations for more far reaching innovation over the longer term. Two broad themes of research are proposed. The first one on low cost and 3-D composites will be led by Bristol with input from Oxford, and will provide new capabilities that can be applied in the next 3-5 years. The second theme on self actuating composites will be a joint activity, with Oxford laying out a 10 year technology roadmap and Bristol developing a number of innovative concepts which can be demonstrated within a five year timescale. \r\rThe research on low cost composites will develop automated manufacturing techniques using robotics and mechanical forming and apply low-cost, rapid tooling techniques such as freeze-cast ceramics. It will also seek to use innovative 3-D fibre architectures (e.g. weaves, braids, fabrics) to reduce manufacturing costs whilst providing the excellent mechanical performance necessary for future aerospace applications.\r\rThe proposed activities to develop self-actuating composites offer exciting opportunities to integrate novel methods of actuation, sensing and health monit" . "A strategic partnership will be created between Smiths, Oxford and Bristol University that will deliver a step change in Composites technology over the next five years, and lay the foundations for more far reaching innovation over the longer term. Two broad themes of research are proposed. The first one on low cost and 3-D composites will be led by Bristol with input from Oxford, and will provide new capabilities that can be applied in the next 3-5 years. The second theme on self actuating composites will be a joint activity, with Oxford laying out a 10 year technology roadmap and Bristol developing a number of innovative concepts which can be demonstrated within a five year timescale. \r\rThe research on low cost composites will develop automated manufacturing techniques using robotics and mechanical forming and apply low-cost, rapid tooling techniques such as freeze-cast ceramics. It will also seek to use innovative 3-D fibre architectures (e.g. weaves, braids, fabrics) to reduce manufacturing costs whilst providing the excellent mechanical performance necessary for future aerospace applications.\r\rThe proposed activities to develop self-actuating composites offer exciting opportunities to integrate novel methods of actuation, sensing and health monitoring within future high performance aerospace structures e.g. shape changing aerofoils. 'State-of-the-art' emerging technologies such as piezo- and magneto-strictives, shape memory materials, morphing composites and novel electromechanical devices will be developed and demonstrated. \r\rThe core programme of activities outlined in this grant will run alongside a substantial programme of existing research, for example our EU Morphing Wing project. Four experienced researchers will be appointed, three at Bristol and one at Oxford. In addition, one senior Research Fellow and 7 PhD studentships not funded under this grant have been committed to the Partnership providing a critical mass of researchers from the outset. A new, dedicated physical centre will be established at Bristol for staff and students linked to offices where related research is carried out, and with additional desks for visitors from Oxford and Smiths. There will also be secondment of staff between the Universities and Smiths and regular joint seminars. The many new ideas certain to emerge during this cutting edge programme will be developed into further proposals for funding from UK and EU sources to create a portfolio of world-class research generating exciting new technologies for ex" . . "2006-02-01" . "2011-01-31" . "Yes" . . "268676.7552"^^ . "EP/D034256/1" . "Announced" . . "SMiths Aerospace Research and Technology Partnership on COMPosites (SMARTCOMP)" . . . . . . "This proposal is to establish a research Network in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and its applications and diffusion in the supply chains. The network brings together a number of expertise and interest from Universities and industry to explore the research challenges and opportunities in RFID technology and applications. The network will explore a number of key challenges: (1) application of RFID to reduce incidents of empty running to reduce congestion on the roads (2) better and enhanced data storage (and management) capability to deal with huge data deluge that will result from RFID deployment in the supply chains (3) food traceability and integrity as it relates to the need to secure our food from deliberate tampering, contamination and bioterrorism post September 11, 2001 attack (4) RFID-enabled supply chain visibility and capacity allocation or re-allocation on agile and dynamic bases (5) eliminating forecast demand variability and stock outs in pharmaceutical products especially during the lunch of a blockbuster product (6) key business sector applications such as fleet management in road transport industry, baggage handling and asset tracking in ports operations, and asset management and enabling of fast efficient Activity Based Costing (ABC) systems in the healthcare industry. These challenges will be explored by members of the Network with the view to define and take forward new research in RFID-enabled supply chain management." . "This proposal is to establish a research Network in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and its applications and diffusion in the supply chains. The network brings together a number of expertise and interest from Universities and industry to explore the research challenges and opportunities in RFID technology and applications. The network will explore a number of key challenges: (1) application of RFID to reduce incidents of empty running to reduce congestion on the roads (2) better and enhanced data storage (and management) capability to deal with huge data deluge that will result from RFID deployment in the supply chains (3) food traceability and integrity as it relates to the need to secure our food from deliberate tampering, contamination and bioterrorism post September 11, 2001 attack (4) RFID-enabled supply chain visibility and capacity allocation or re-allocation on agile and dynamic bases (5) eliminating forecast demand variability and stock outs in pharmaceutical products especially during the lunch of a blockbuster product (6) key business sector applications such as fleet management in road transport industry, baggage handling and asset tracking in ports operations, and asset management and enabling of fast efficient Activity Based Costing" . . "2006-01-23" . "2006-06-06" . "No" . . "20569.52"^^ . "EP/D034280/1" . "Announced" . . "NETWORK: RFID Enabled Supply Chain Management" . . . . . . "This proposal is to establish a research Network in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and its applications and diffusion in the supply chains. The network brings together a number of expertise and interest from Universities and industry to explore the research challenges and opportunities in RFID technology and applications. The network will explore a number of key challenges: (1) application of RFID to reduce incidents of empty running to reduce congestion on the roads (2) better and enhanced data storage (and management) capability to deal with huge data deluge that will result from RFID deployment in the supply chains (3) food traceability and integrity as it relates to the need to secure our food from deliberate tampering, contamination and bioterrorism post September 11, 2001 attack (4) RFID-enabled supply chain visibility and capacity allocation or re-allocation on agile and dynamic bases (5) eliminating forecast demand variability and stock outs in pharmaceutical products especially during the lunch of a blockbuster product (6) key business sector applications such as fleet management in road transport industry, baggage handling and asset tracking in ports operations, and asset management and enabling of fast efficient Activity Based Costing (ABC) systems in the healthcare industry. These challenges will be explored by members of the Network with the view to define and take forward new research in RFID-enabled supply chain management." . "This proposal is to establish a research Network in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and its applications and diffusion in the supply chains. The network brings together a number of expertise and interest from Universities and industry to explore the research challenges and opportunities in RFID technology and applications. The network will explore a number of key challenges: (1) application of RFID to reduce incidents of empty running to reduce congestion on the roads (2) better and enhanced data storage (and management) capability to deal with huge data deluge that will result from RFID deployment in the supply chains (3) food traceability and integrity as it relates to the need to secure our food from deliberate tampering, contamination and bioterrorism post September 11, 2001 attack (4) RFID-enabled supply chain visibility and capacity allocation or re-allocation on agile and dynamic bases (5) eliminating forecast demand variability and stock outs in pharmaceutical products especially during the lunch of a blockbuster product (6) key business sector applications such as fleet management in road transport industry, baggage handling and asset tracking in ports operations, and asset management and enabling of fast efficient Activity Based Costing" . . "2006-06-07" . "2007-05-06" . "No" . . "11154.743"^^ . "EP/D034280/2" . "Announced" . . "NETWORK: RFID Enabled Supply Chain Management" . . . . . . "Silicon is the bedrock of the digital revolution. It occupies this position because of its unique chemical and physical properties. The low speed with which electrons and other current carriers move across silicon has traditionally been seen as a problem which can be solved by reductions in device size. As scaling of silicon devices into the nanometre regime becomes increasingly difficult and prohibitively expensive on a commercial scale, new channel materials could play a critical role that maintains the dominant position of silicon electronics well into the future. For example, the mobility of electrons, etc, may be increased, with consequent improvements in device speed and/or power consumption, by growing a thin layer of silicon on a SiGe platform which produces tensile strain in the silicon. Unfortunately current versions of these SiGe 'virtual substrates' have high densities of defects and poor surface topography, making them unsuitable for commercial production. The proposed work concerns the development of novel and radical approaches to the development of SiGe virtual substrates of unprecedented quality in this respect." . . "2006-07-01" . "2009-06-30" . "No" . . "127171.1952"^^ . "EP/D034485/1" . "Announced" . . "Ultimate Control of Strain Relaxation Processes in SiGe Layers" . . . . . . "The study of biological systems and processes is limited in optical microscopy by diffraction. Scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) is a technique which can overcome the diffraction limit and resolve nanoscale features with light. However the intrinsic nature of the technique results in it being limited by low light intensities when based on fluorescence studies of standard organic dyes. This proposal seeks to overcome this problem by considering in-organic quantum dots. These are currently being explored in medicine because they produce a far more intense and reliable source of fluorescent emission than normal organic dyes. Quantum dots also have the ability to be tuned to emit at different wavelengths just by changing their size and hence can give specific spectral characteristics. The proposal aims to immobilise the quantum dots (made from CdSe/ZnS) in an e-beam resist and then probe them with the scanning near-field microscope. The fluorescent signature will then be analysed via developments to the SNOM instrument that will enable it to spectrally determine the nature of the fluorescent emission from the quantum dot. Via the careful preparation of the quantum dots within the e-beam resist film, spectral signatures from single quantum d" . "The study of biological systems and processes is limited in optical microscopy by diffraction. Scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) is a technique which can overcome the diffraction limit and resolve nanoscale features with light. However the intrinsic nature of the technique results in it being limited by low light intensities when based on fluorescence studies of standard organic dyes. This proposal seeks to overcome this problem by considering in-organic quantum dots. These are currently being explored in medicine because they produce a far more intense and reliable source of fluorescent emission than normal organic dyes. Quantum dots also have the ability to be tuned to emit at different wavelengths just by changing their size and hence can give specific spectral characteristics. The proposal aims to immobilise the quantum dots (made from CdSe/ZnS) in an e-beam resist and then probe them with the scanning near-field microscope. The fluorescent signature will then be analysed via developments to the SNOM instrument that will enable it to spectrally determine the nature of the fluorescent emission from the quantum dot. Via the careful preparation of the quantum dots within the e-beam resist film, spectral signatures from single quantum dots will be achieved. This project represents a stepping stone to the potential introduction of quantum dots into a biological system where they can be used together with the near-field microscope to produce enhanced images with nanoscale resolution and spectral sensitivity." . . "2006-05-01" . "2007-04-30" . "No" . . "52467.1218"^^ . "EP/D035368/1" . "Announced" . . "Scanning near-field optical microscopy and spectroscopy studies of quantum dots." . . . . . . "Forensic investigations frequently involve the analysis of body fluids spilled during the commissioning of a crime, leading to deposits on a wide range of surfaces such as carpets, walls, clothing, bedlinen and skin. Testing of, for example, bloodstains for the presence of drugs and drug-related metabolites or other biomarkers can be a highly complex procedure, and the success rate of such analyses can be severely limited due to loss of material during extraction, as well as a lack of absolute sensitivity. Moreover, the inherently destructive nature of these tests - specimens need to be removed from the bulk item before any extraction can be carried out - is a major issue, as is the fact that analysis is invariably carried out at a laboratory remote from the scene. The necessity for remote analysis does also add potentially crucial time to the investigative process, as well as carrying an inherent risk of sample degradation and contamination in transit and subsequent storage. Perhaps most importantly: if it is not feasible to remove a suitable sample from an item, potentially useful information will not be available to investigating officers. Therefore, forensic practitioners have considerable interest in technologies which could potentially overcome at l" . . "2006-02-20" . "2007-02-19" . "No" . . "63198.005"^^ . "EP/D036240/1" . "Announced" . . "Identification of Drug-related Compounds in Body Fluid Stains on Forensically Relevant Surfaces at Atmospheric Pressure using DESI Mass Spectrometry" . . . . . . "Treatment of end stage arthritis currently involves major surgical intervention in the form of total joint replacement. However, due to the clinical limitation of these devices (generally less than 15 years), there are concerns about their use in increasing numbers of younger patients with arthritis of the major load bearing joints without a secondary operation. Consequently, there are emerging interests in earlier intervention approaches such as partial surface replacement and cartilage substitution, which attempt to retain some or all of the functional bearing surface of articular cartilage. The increasingly rigorous ethical and regulatory environment is demanding more extensive pre-clinical studies, as part of the translation of any new technology to the patient. However, there are currently no pre-clinical functional simulation models that can be used to assess the potential long-term clinical performance of these devices which articulate against articular cartilage. The aims of this project are to develop novel computational models for investigating the tribology (friction, wear and lubrication) of articular cartilage in order to understand the normal function as well as to provide guidance for developing early intervention cartilage substitution solutions in the hip joint. The computational model will particularly focus on the biphasic (fluid and solid phases) loading carrying capacity of articular cartilage and integrate contact mechanics, friction, lubrication and wear using an anatomical and physiological joint model. Both cartilage against cartilage and cartilage against a biomaterial such as metal (hemi-arthroplasty) will be modelled. The computational model will be validated using a porcine hip joint model before use on the human hip joint. The outcome of the proposed research will provide guidance for developing novel tissue substitution solutions in the future." . "Treatment of end stage arthritis currently involves major surgical intervention in the form of total joint replacement. However, due to the clinical limitation of these devices (generally less than 15 years), there are concerns about their use in increasing numbers of younger patients with arthritis of the major load bearing joints without a secondary operation. Consequently, there are emerging interests in earlier intervention approaches such as partial surface replacement and cartilage substitution, which attempt to retain some or all of the functional bearing surface of articular cartilage. The increasingly rigorous ethical and regulatory environment is demanding more extensive pre-clinical studies, as part of the translation of any new technology to the patient. However, there are currently no pre-clinical functional simulation models that can be used to assess the potential long-term clinical performance of these devices which articulate against articular cartilage. The aims of this project are to develop novel computational models for investigating the tribology (friction, wear and lubrication) of articular cartilage in order to understand the normal function as well as to provide guidance for developing early intervention cartilage substitution sol" . . "2006-06-05" . "2009-12-04" . "Yes" . . "180376.63"^^ . "EP/D036593/1" . "Announced" . . "Tribological Modelling of Biphasic Articular Cartilage and Cartilage Replacement Systems in Anatomical and Physiological Models" . . . . . . "Engineering structures made from advanced composite materials are usually connected together by bolts, rivets or pins to transfer loads between primary load bearing members. Although bolted joints are used quite extensively for this purpose they are still not well understood and there is no definite method to predict joint strength. The proposed research aims to look at holes and pin-loaded holes in composite components using thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA) to provide experimental data that will help improve the design of bolted joints. The work will also define the degree to which moulding holes in composite materials improves the strength of the component. A moulded hole is on in which the fibres of the reinforcing material of a composite is routed around the hole instead of being cut using a drill. A full scale test of a real engineering structure will be performed to demonstrate that the behaviour of a bolted joint can be predicted by the smaller scale tests on holes and pin-loaded holes." . . "2006-05-02" . "2009-05-01" . "No" . . "123251.23"^^ . "EP/D037271/1" . "Announced" . . "Application of Thermoelastic Stress Analysis as a design tool for the assessment of complex composite components" . . . . . . "The chemical make up of materials is widely studied for quality controlling manufacturing processes as well as in areas of medicine for diagnosing disease. \r\rThis project uses lasers in a novel way to characterise the nature of materials up to 2-3 mm beneath a surface. The technique whilst being fundamental was only discovered 6 months ago making this a very exciting innovation that the UK can be proud of. Not only is it exciting science it is hoped that the two year programme will convince medical doctors that the method can be used to diagnose bone disease. This is certainly a challenge because you wouldn't like to go to the doctor and tell them you are ill and they say 'Well let us try using this and it might work but we don't know yet'. So physicists and chemists have to work together with the medical doctors to develop technology for new and better techniques. The fundamental science will be used to better existing X-ray techniques and provide more accurate diagnosis of bone disease that affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men over 50. \r\rHowever, this dream is still someway off and to provide such an instrument scientists have to understand the behaviour of light in solid materials, such as powders and human tissue, that heavily scatter light. Whist these properties are fairly well understood they have not been studied in this way. What is interesting is that the colour of the laser light changes in a subtle way as it travels through the medium. This colour change gives precise information about what molecules are present in the medium. If you collect the light a few mm away from where the laser shone onto the surface then the change in colour has happened in deeper areas within the sample. This means the composition of the deep layers of samples such as bones can be accurately determined without the need to remove the skin. This project will perform experiments to reveal how best to design an instrument capable of making these measurements and this will help convince medical practitioners to work with us to realise our dream." . "The chemical make up of materials is widely studied for quality controlling manufacturing processes as well as in areas of medicine for diagnosing disease. \r\rThis project uses lasers in a novel way to characterise the nature of materials up to 2-3 mm beneath a surface. The technique whilst being fundamental was only discovered 6 months ago making this a very exciting innovation that the UK can be proud of. Not only is it exciting science it is hoped that the two year programme will convince medical doctors that the method can be used to diagnose bone disease. This is certainly a challenge because you wouldn't like to go to the doctor and tell them you are ill and they say 'Well let us try using this and it might work but we don't know yet'. So physicists and chemists have to work together with the medical doctors to develop technology for new and better techniques. The fundamental science will be used to better existing X-ray techniques and provide more accurate diagnosis of bone disease that affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men over 50. \r\rHowever, this dream is still someway off and to provide such an instrument scientists have to understand the behaviour of light in solid materials, such as powders and human tissue, that heavily scatter light. Whis" . . "Tue Sep 05 01:00:00 BST 2006" . "Thu Sep 04 01:00:00 BST 2008" . "No" . . "185662.703"^^ . "EP/D037662/1" . "Announced" . . "Development of a Novel Approach for Non-invasive Probing of Bone Tissue using Raman Spectroscopy" . "Technological advances in power generation and transport systems are currently materials limited. Ideal materials are not available for use in the increasingly extreme environments (high temperatures, high thermal fluxes, pressures, irradiation damage, fatigue etc) these novel designs require. Many of the current suggested solutions to these problems are composites. However, the combination of two or more physically distinct phases with different constituent material properties to form a single material is fraught with fabrication and modelling difficulties.\r\rThere is considerable interest in the reliable prediction of the bulk properties of composite materials based on the properties of the constituent materials and the microstructural morphology as this clearly enables novel materials to be designed with specified requirements (e.g. toughness, stiffness). Coupled with rapid prototyping and greater control of composite fabrication processes, this could deliver a new generation of high performance materials. High resolution imaging in 3-D such as x-ray microtomography (XMT), the materials science equivalent of medical CAT scans, can now probe at the sub-micron scale and coupled with numerical solvers could in principle provide turnkey solutions for modelling physical processes. However there are two main technical hurdles to the adoption of image based analysis: (1) robustly and accurately converting the 3-D data into computational meshes suitable for solvers; and (2) the size of computational problem required to study domains at suitable resolutions and size to bridge the micro to macro length scales such that the volumes modelled are representative of the bulk of the material. Both of these problems will be addressed within the project by combining and further developing state of the art techniques developed by the applicants for solving large scale problems (novel iterative solvers) and for meshing from 3-D images.\r\rIn order to provide corroboration for the solution techniques to be developed and implemented, two problems with which some of the applicants have experience and which typify a very broad range of industrially and biologically important structures will be considered: ceramic matrix composites and open-celled foams. Both structural and thermal properties will be explored. These materials are exemplars as they represent two different challenges to the computational approach: the composite has a multiphase complex architecture; the foam undergoes very large strain deformation followed by eleme" . "Technological advances in power generation and transport systems are currently materials limited. Ideal materials are not available for use in the increasingly extreme environments (high temperatures, high thermal fluxes, pressures, irradiation damage, fatigue etc) these novel designs require. Many of the current suggested solutions to these problems are composites. However, the combination of two or more physically distinct phases with different constituent material properties to form a single material is fraught with fabrication and modelling difficulties.\r\rThere is considerable interest in the reliable prediction of the bulk properties of composite materials based on the properties of the constituent materials and the microstructural morphology as this clearly enables novel materials to be designed with specified requirements (e.g. toughness, stiffness). Coupled with rapid prototyping and greater control of composite fabrication processes, this could deliver a new generation of high performance materials. High resolution imaging in 3-D such as x-ray microtomography (XMT), the materials science equivalent of medical CAT scans, can now probe at the sub-micron scale and coupled with numerical solvers could in principle provide turnkey solutions for modell" . . "2006-08-21" . "2009-02-20" . "No" . . "295560.6624"^^ . "EP/D037867/1" . "Announced" . . "Ultrascalable Modelling of Advanced Materials with Complex Architectures" . . . . . . "Technological advances in power generation and transport systems are currently materials limited. Ideal materials are not available for use in the increasingly extreme environments (high temperatures, high thermal fluxes, pressures, irradiation damage, fatigue etc) these novel designs require. Many of the current suggested solutions to these problems are composites. However, the combination of two or more physically distinct phases with different constituent material properties to form a single material is fraught with fabrication and modelling difficulties.\r\rThere is considerable interest in the reliable prediction of the bulk properties of composite materials based on the properties of the constituent materials and the microstructural morphology as this clearly enables novel materials to be designed with specified requirements (e.g. toughness, stiffness). Coupled with rapid prototyping and greater control of composite fabrication processes, this could deliver a new generation of high performance materials. High resolution imaging in 3-D such as x-ray microtomography (XMT), the materials science equivalent of medical CAT scans, can now probe at the sub-micron scale and coupled with numerical solvers could in principle provide turnkey solutions for modell" . "Technological advances in power generation and transport systems are currently materials limited. Ideal materials are not available for use in the increasingly extreme environments (high temperatures, high thermal fluxes, pressures, irradiation damage, fatigue etc) these novel designs require. Many of the current suggested solutions to these problems are composites. However, the combination of two or more physically distinct phases with different constituent material properties to form a single material is fraught with fabrication and modelling difficulties.\r\rThere is considerable interest in the reliable prediction of the bulk properties of composite materials based on the properties of the constituent materials and the microstructural morphology as this clearly enables novel materials to be designed with specified requirements (e.g. toughness, stiffness). Coupled with rapid prototyping and greater control of composite fabrication processes, this could deliver a new generation of high performance materials. High resolution imaging in 3-D such as x-ray microtomography (XMT), the materials science equivalent of medical CAT scans, can now probe at the sub-micron scale and coupled with numerical solvers could in principle provide turnkey solutions for modelling physical processes. However there are two main technical hurdles to the adoption of image based analysis: (1) robustly and accurately converting the 3-D data into computational meshes suitable for solvers; and (2) the size of computational problem required to study domains at suitable resolutions and size to bridge the micro to macro length scales such that the volumes modelled are representative of the bulk of the material. Both of these problems will be addressed within the project by combining and further developing state of the art techniques developed by the applicants for solving large scale problems (novel iterative solvers) and for meshing from 3-D images.\r\rIn order to provide corroboration for the solution techniques to be developed and implemented, two problems with which some of the applicants have experience and which typify a very broad range of industrially and biologically important structures will be considered: ceramic matrix composites and open-celled foams. Both structural and thermal properties will be explored. These materials are exemplars as they represent two different challenges to the computational approach: the composite has a multiphase complex architecture; the foam undergoes very large strain deformation followed by eleme" . . "2006-03-16" . "2008-03-15" . "No" . . "138919.2818"^^ . "EP/D037913/1" . "Announced" . . "Ultrascalable Modelling of Advanced Materials with Complex Architectures" . . . . . . "We have designed very small polymer beads (about 1000 times smaller than a millimetre), which are so small that mammalian cells can take them up. Biologically active molecules like enzymes or DNA can be attached onto these beads which are still delivered into the cells. Once in the cells the biological molecules can interact with the cell and enable us to study it. Processes in the isolated cell can be changed by this 'intracellular delivery' which allows us to explore the internal working of the cell in real time (an analogy is a person (= bead) inside a house (= cell)). \r\rThese beads will allow us to study many different aspects of the way cells work, For example some very special nucleic acids (called RNAi) can be used to 'shut' down specific genes (which control function) within the cells. In theory any gene in a cell could be turned off with the result being change(s) in cell phenotype (e.g. how a cell appears under a microscope), that is the type of cell which the cell appears as! The particular cells we will study (embryonic stem cells) are very special as they can in theory be used to form any desired tissue. To control the tissue type formed is actually very problematic at this time. The bead-based delivery systems we propose will offer a new approach to control this process.\r\rThe beads can be dyed with up to 100 different colours which can be used to identify an individual bead and if each bead carries a different biological molecule we know what it can do and where it does it when we look down a microscope. \r\rThis then allows 100 different RNAi's to be attached to the 100 different beads and these can then be used in a single experiment to look at 100 different biological experiments (shutting down 100 different genes). The next step is a combination screen where two beads (of different sorts) are placed into a single cell thus allowing 100x100 combinations to be studied Being able to study so many combinations very rapidly will allow us to learn more about how to control, how stem cells develop. In the future this will allow new stem cell-based therapies to be developed to treat or cure diseases." . "We have designed very small polymer beads (about 1000 times smaller than a millimetre), which are so small that mammalian cells can take them up. Biologically active molecules like enzymes or DNA can be attached onto these beads which are still delivered into the cells. Once in the cells the biological molecules can interact with the cell and enable us to study it. Processes in the isolated cell can be changed by this 'intracellular delivery' which allows us to explore the internal working of the cell in real time (an analogy is a person (= bead) inside a house (= cell)). \r\rThese beads will allow us to study many different aspects of the way cells work, For example some very special nucleic acids (called RNAi) can be used to 'shut' down specific genes (which control function) within the cells. In theory any gene in a cell could be turned off with the result being change(s) in cell phenotype (e.g. how a cell appears under a microscope), that is the type of cell which the cell appears as! The particular cells we will study (embryonic stem cells) are very special as they can in theory be used to form any desired tissue. To control the tissue type formed is actually very problematic at this time. The bead-based delivery systems we propose will offer a new ap" . . "2006-07-01" . "2009-08-31" . "Yes" . . "389485.7248"^^ . "EP/D038057/1" . "Announced" . . "High-throughput intracellular import-M/C" . . . . . . "We have designed very small polymer beads (about 1000 times smaller than a millimetre), which are so small that mammalian cells can take them up. Biologically active molecules like enzymes or DNA can be attached onto these beads which are still delivered into the cells. Once in the cells the biological molecules can interact with the cell and enable us to study it. Processes in the isolated cell can be changed by this 'intracellular delivery' which allows us to explore the internal working of the cell in real time (an analogy is a person (= bead) inside a house (= cell)). \r\rThese beads will allow us to study many different aspects of the way cells work, For example some very special nucleic acids (called RNAi) can be used to 'shut' down specific genes (which control function) within the cells. In theory any gene in a cell could be turned off with the result being change(s) in cell phenotype (e.g. how a cell appears under a microscope), that is the type of cell which the cell appears as! The particular cells we will study (embryonic stem cells) are very special as they can in theory be used to form any desired tissue. To control the tissue type formed is actually very problematic at this time. The bead-based delivery systems we propose will offer a new ap" . "We have designed very small polymer beads (about 1000 times smaller than a millimetre), which are so small that mammalian cells can take them up. Biologically active molecules like enzymes or DNA can be attached onto these beads which are still delivered into the cells. Once in the cells the biological molecules can interact with the cell and enable us to study it. Processes in the isolated cell can be changed by this 'intracellular delivery' which allows us to explore the internal working of the cell in real time (an analogy is a person (= bead) inside a house (= cell)). \r\rThese beads will allow us to study many different aspects of the way cells work, For example some very special nucleic acids (called RNAi) can be used to 'shut' down specific genes (which control function) within the cells. In theory any gene in a cell could be turned off with the result being change(s) in cell phenotype (e.g. how a cell appears under a microscope), that is the type of cell which the cell appears as! The particular cells we will study (embryonic stem cells) are very special as they can in theory be used to form any desired tissue. To control the tissue type formed is actually very problematic at this time. The bead-based delivery systems we propose will offer a new approach to control this process.\r\rThe beads can be dyed with up to 100 different colours which can be used to identify an individual bead and if each bead carries a different biological molecule we know what it can do and where it does it when we look down a microscope. \r\rThis then allows 100 different RNAi's to be attached to the 100 different beads and these can then be used in a single experiment to look at 100 different biological experiments (shutting down 100 different genes). The next step is a combination screen where two beads (of different sorts) are placed into a single cell thus allowing 100x100 combinations to be studied Being able to study so many combinations very rapidly will allow us to learn more about how to control, how stem cells develop. In the future this will allow new stem cell-based therapies to be developed to treat or cure diseases." . . "2006-08-31" . "2010-01-30" . "Yes" . . "941415.0476"^^ . "EP/D038197/1" . "Announced" . . "High-throughput intracellular import-M/C" . . . . . . "Light emitting polymers are making a major impact in the electronics industry by providing a new technology for low-cost, large-area devices. Provided that issues regarding efficiency, lifetime and durability are resolved, the next generation of polymer devices have the potential for an even greater impact as ultra-high efficiency devices for lighting applications, photovoltaic devices, and field effect transistors.\r\rThe research proposed here is focussed on understanding the role of polymer structures on three important and related electronic processes that determine the performance and efficiency of polymer devices, with the ultimate aim of developing strategies to enhance the performance of these devices. The electronic processes to be investigated are (i) processes that determine the singlet exciton yield, and hence the electroluminescence quantum efficiency of light emitting devices; (ii) exciton transport in polymer films, which determines the efficiency of photovoltaic devices; and (iii) the role of long-lived interface states on electron-hole recombination and dissociation, which determines the efficiency of either light emitting or photovoltaic devices.\r\rThese processes are affected by polymer structures on a variety of length scales, including the chemical structure of the polymers, local polymer conformations, the relative packing of polymers, and the global mesoscale morphology. Using a variety of computational techniques (including quantum chemistry calculations of electronic structure, quantum master equation simulations of charge and energy transport, and molecular dynamics simulations of polymer conformation and packing) the present proposal is focussed on understanding the roles of chemical structure, conformation and packing on the efficiency of these processes. This will provide strategies for enhancing the performance of polymer devices. It will also provide guidance as to how the efficiency of present devices compares to their theoretical optimal values." . "Light emitting polymers are making a major impact in the electronics industry by providing a new technology for low-cost, large-area devices. Provided that issues regarding efficiency, lifetime and durability are resolved, the next generation of polymer devices have the potential for an even greater impact as ultra-high efficiency devices for lighting applications, photovoltaic devices, and field effect transistors.\r\rThe research proposed here is focussed on understanding the role of polymer structures on three important and related electronic processes that determine the performance and efficiency of polymer devices, with the ultimate aim of developing strategies to enhance the performance of these devices. The electronic processes to be investigated are (i) processes that determine the singlet exciton yield, and hence the electroluminescence quantum efficiency of light emitting devices; (ii) exciton transport in polymer films, which determines the efficiency of photovoltaic devices; and (iii) the role of long-lived interface states on electron-hole recombination and dissociation, which determines the efficiency of either light emitting or photovoltaic devices.\r\rThese processes are affected by polymer structures on a variety of length scales, including t" . . "2006-06-05" . "2006-09-30" . "No" . . "145351.9398"^^ . "EP/D038553/1" . "Announced" . . "Understanding the role of polymer structures on electronic processes in polymer optoelectronic devices" . . . . . . "Light emitting polymers are making a major impact in the electronics industry by providing a new technology for low-cost, large-area devices. Provided that issues regarding efficiency, lifetime and durability are resolved, the next generation of polymer devices have the potential for an even greater impact as ultra-high efficiency devices for lighting applications, photovoltaic devices, and field effect transistors.\r\rThe research proposed here is focussed on understanding the role of polymer structures on three important and related electronic processes that determine the performance and efficiency of polymer devices, with the ultimate aim of developing strategies to enhance the performance of these devices. The electronic processes to be investigated are (i) processes that determine the singlet exciton yield, and hence the electroluminescence quantum efficiency of light emitting devices; (ii) exciton transport in polymer films, which determines the efficiency of photovoltaic devices; and (iii) the role of long-lived interface states on electron-hole recombination and dissociation, which determines the efficiency of either light emitting or photovoltaic devices.\r\rThese processes are affected by polymer structures on a variety of length scales, including t" . "Light emitting polymers are making a major impact in the electronics industry by providing a new technology for low-cost, large-area devices. Provided that issues regarding efficiency, lifetime and durability are resolved, the next generation of polymer devices have the potential for an even greater impact as ultra-high efficiency devices for lighting applications, photovoltaic devices, and field effect transistors.\r\rThe research proposed here is focussed on understanding the role of polymer structures on three important and related electronic processes that determine the performance and efficiency of polymer devices, with the ultimate aim of developing strategies to enhance the performance of these devices. The electronic processes to be investigated are (i) processes that determine the singlet exciton yield, and hence the electroluminescence quantum efficiency of light emitting devices; (ii) exciton transport in polymer films, which determines the efficiency of photovoltaic devices; and (iii) the role of long-lived interface states on electron-hole recombination and dissociation, which determines the efficiency of either light emitting or photovoltaic devices.\r\rThese processes are affected by polymer structures on a variety of length scales, including the chemical structure of the polymers, local polymer conformations, the relative packing of polymers, and the global mesoscale morphology. Using a variety of computational techniques (including quantum chemistry calculations of electronic structure, quantum master equation simulations of charge and energy transport, and molecular dynamics simulations of polymer conformation and packing) the present proposal is focussed on understanding the roles of chemical structure, conformation and packing on the efficiency of these processes. This will provide strategies for enhancing the performance of polymer devices. It will also provide guidance as to how the efficiency of present devices compares to their theoretical optimal values." . . "2006-10-01" . "2009-12-31" . "Yes" . . "132990.803"^^ . "EP/D038553/2" . "Announced" . . "Understanding the role of polymer structures on electronic processes in polymer optoelectronic devices" . . . . . . "We have designed very small polymer beads (about 1000 times smaller than a millimetre), which are so small that mammalian cells can take them up. Biologically active molecules like enzymes or DNA can be attached onto these beads which are still delivered into the cells. Once in the cells the biological molecules can interact with the cell and enable us to study it. Processes in the isolated cell can be changed by this 'intracellular delivery' which allows us to explore the internal working of the cell in real time (an analogy is a person (= bead) inside a house (= cell)). \r\rThese beads will allow us to study many different aspects of the way cells work, For example some very special nucleic acids (called RNAi) can be used to 'shut' down specific genes (which control function) within the cells. In theory any gene in a cell could be turned off with the result being change(s) in cell phenotype (e.g. how a cell appears under a microscope), that is the type of cell which the cell appears as! The particular cells we will study (embryonic stem cells) are very special as they can in theory be used to form any desired tissue. To control the tissue type formed is actually very problematic at this time. The bead-based delivery systems we propose will offer a new approach to control this process.\r\rThe beads can be dyed with up to 100 different colours which can be used to identify an individual bead and if each bead carries a different biological molecule we know what it can do and where it does it when we look down a microscope. \r\rThis then allows 100 different RNAi's to be attached to the 100 different beads and these can then be used in a single experiment to look at 100 different biological experiments (shutting down 100 different genes). The next step is a combination screen where two beads (of different sorts) are placed into a single cell thus allowing 100x100 combinations to be studied Being able to study so many combinations very rapidly will allow us to learn more about how to control, how stem cells develop. In the future this will allow new stem cell-based therapies to be developed to treat or cure diseases." . "We have designed very small polymer beads (about 1000 times smaller than a millimetre), which are so small that mammalian cells can take them up. Biologically active molecules like enzymes or DNA can be attached onto these beads which are still delivered into the cells. Once in the cells the biological molecules can interact with the cell and enable us to study it. Processes in the isolated cell can be changed by this 'intracellular delivery' which allows us to explore the internal working of the cell in real time (an analogy is a person (= bead) inside a house (= cell)). \r\rThese beads will allow us to study many different aspects of the way cells work, For example some very special nucleic acids (called RNAi) can be used to 'shut' down specific genes (which control function) within the cells. In theory any gene in a cell could be turned off with the result being change(s) in cell phenotype (e.g. how a cell appears under a microscope), that is the type of cell which the cell appears as! The particular cells we will study (embryonic stem cells) are very special as they can in theory be used to form any desired tissue. To control the tissue type formed is actually very problematic at this time. The bead-based delivery systems we propose will offer a new ap" . . "2006-08-01" . "2009-07-31" . "No" . . "265250.7728"^^ . "EP/D038642/1" . "Announced" . . "High-throughput intracellular import-M/C" . . . . . . "This proposal seeks finance to bring over to the UK a leading international authority in waves propagation and physical acoustics for two visits totalling four months. In particular, we aim to investigate the propagation of waves in anisotropic elastic media which possess a micro-structure. The existence of a micro-structure, such as a fibrous inclusion, lead the wave speed being dependent on wave number, this usually being termed spatial dispersion. The specific type of waves to be considered are those for which the wavelength is long compared to a typical dimension of the particular micro-structure. For such waves, the spatial dispersion brought about by the micro-structure will smooth the singularities at the wave fronts associated with the associated non-dispersive media. Using various mathematical methods (singular perturbation, Fourier-type integrals and Catastrophe Theory) previous developed and exploited by the UK team, it is envisaged that the project will result in a complete classification" . . "2006-01-25" . "2006-08-31" . "No" . . "10204.87"^^ . "EP/D038812/1" . "Announced" . . "Weak Spatial Dispersion of Elastic Waves in Anisotropic Solids" . . . . . . "This proposal seeks finance to bring over to the UK a leading international authority in waves propagation and physical acoustics for two visits totalling four months. In particular, we aim to investigate the propagation of waves in anisotropic elastic media which possess a micro-structure. The existence of a micro-structure, such as a fibrous inclusion, lead the wave speed being dependent on wave number, this usually being termed spatial dispersion. The specific type of waves to be considered are those for which the wavelength is long compared to a typical dimension of the particular micro-structure. For such waves, the spatial dispersion brought about by the micro-structure will smooth the singularities at the wave fronts associated with the associated non-dispersive media. Using various mathematical methods (singular perturbation, Fourier-type integrals and Catastrophe Theory) previous developed and exploited by the UK team, it is envisaged that the project will result in a complete classification" . . "2006-11-01" . "2007-03-31" . "No" . . "5104.87"^^ . "EP/D038812/2" . "Announced" . . "Weak Spatial Dispersion of Elastic Waves in Anisotropic Solids" . . . . . . "Conventional electronic circuitry (i.e. as developed for telecommunications, personal computers and domestic appliances) is based around the semiconductor silicon. Plastic electronics is a rapidly developing field of research in which the individual devices are based on organic (e.g. polymer or plastic) materials. The advantages of such plastic circuitry is that it is relatively cheap to produce and it can be made in large area and flexible forms (e.g. suitable for displays). This project focuses on the development of memory elements for plastic electronics technology. The work will follow up a successful project at Durham in which the charge storage elements are small metallic particles (nanoparticles)." . . "2006-10-01" . "2009-09-30" . "Yes" . . "244789.36"^^ . "EP/D039924/1" . "Announced" . . "Strategies Towards Plastic Memory Devices" . . . . . . "Electron microscopes allow scientists to see and analyse solid materials on the atomic scale. Conventional electron microscopes suffer from aberrations which limit their ability to resolve fine detail. These aberrations can now be corrected, just as defects in human vision can be corrected by glasses. The SuperSTEM project has involved the development and testing of two special aberration-corrected microscopes, the second of which is being installed at the end of 2005. These microscopes enable scientists to determine the nature and position of specific atoms and small groups of atoms in materials such as semiconductor devices, catalysts and environmental particulates. This proposal is to enable the two SuperSTEM microscopes to produce experimental results for applications a range of fields of scientific and technological importance and to give UK researchers and students world-leading expertise in analytical techniques.\rAmong the things we propose to do are:\r* Develop 'smart' ways of collecting information, so that we can look at a single column of atoms for a very long time, even if it is moving slightly.\r* Develop new ways of simulating what atoms and crystal defects should look like in an aberration-corrected STEM, so that we can interpret what we" . "Electron microscopes allow scientists to see and analyse solid materials on the atomic scale. Conventional electron microscopes suffer from aberrations which limit their ability to resolve fine detail. These aberrations can now be corrected, just as defects in human vision can be corrected by glasses. The SuperSTEM project has involved the development and testing of two special aberration-corrected microscopes, the second of which is being installed at the end of 2005. These microscopes enable scientists to determine the nature and position of specific atoms and small groups of atoms in materials such as semiconductor devices, catalysts and environmental particulates. This proposal is to enable the two SuperSTEM microscopes to produce experimental results for applications a range of fields of scientific and technological importance and to give UK researchers and students world-leading expertise in analytical techniques.\rAmong the things we propose to do are:\r* Develop 'smart' ways of collecting information, so that we can look at a single column of atoms for a very long time, even if it is moving slightly.\r* Develop new ways of simulating what atoms and crystal defects should look like in an aberration-corrected STEM, so that we can interpret what we see by comparison with predicted images.\r* Seek collaborators to develop the understanding of the energy loss process as the probe becomes smaller than the atom spacing \r* Develop a new type of x-ray detector so that we can analyse at the atomic scale using either or both x-rays and energy loss spectrometers, whichever is most appropriate.\r* Determine where dopants atoms are in small semiconductor device structures which rely on only a few atoms to operate.\r* Analyse the atoms which are most significant to the operation or effect of catalysts, strong materials, pollutant particles, quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles and iron in the liver.\r* Train the next generation of scientists who will be able to exploit this excellent technology for the benefit of mankind." . . "2006-11-14" . "2011-11-13" . "Yes" . . "574018.1264"^^ . "EP/D040205/1" . "Announced" . . "SuperSTEM - the UK aberration-corrected STEM facility" . . . . . . "Electron microscopes allow scientists to see and analyse solid materials on the atomic scale. Conventional electron microscopes suffer from aberrations which limit their ability to resolve fine detail. These aberrations can now be corrected, just as defects in human vision can be corrected by glasses. The SuperSTEM project has involved the development and testing of two special aberration-corrected microscopes, the second of which is being installed at the end of 2005. These microscopes enable scientists to determine the nature and position of specific atoms and small groups of atoms in materials such as semiconductor devices, catalysts and environmental particulates. This proposal is to enable the two SuperSTEM microscopes to produce experimental results for applications a range of fields of scientific and technological importance and to give UK researchers and students world-leading expertise in analytical techniques.\rAmong the things we propose to do are:\r* Develop 'smart' ways of collecting information, so that we can look at a single column of atoms for a very long time, even if it is moving slightly.\r* Develop new ways of simulating what atoms and crystal defects should look like in an aberration-corrected STEM, so that we can interpret what we" . "Electron microscopes allow scientists to see and analyse solid materials on the atomic scale. Conventional electron microscopes suffer from aberrations which limit their ability to resolve fine detail. These aberrations can now be corrected, just as defects in human vision can be corrected by glasses. The SuperSTEM project has involved the development and testing of two special aberration-corrected microscopes, the second of which is being installed at the end of 2005. These microscopes enable scientists to determine the nature and position of specific atoms and small groups of atoms in materials such as semiconductor devices, catalysts and environmental particulates. This proposal is to enable the two SuperSTEM microscopes to produce experimental results for applications a range of fields of scientific and technological importance and to give UK researchers and students world-leading expertise in analytical techniques.\rAmong the things we propose to do are:\r* Develop 'smart' ways of collecting information, so that we can look at a single column of atoms for a very long time, even if it is moving slightly.\r* Develop new ways of simulating what atoms and crystal defects should look like in an aberration-corrected STEM, so that we can interpret what we see by comparison with predicted images.\r* Seek collaborators to develop the understanding of the energy loss process as the probe becomes smaller than the atom spacing \r* Develop a new type of x-ray detector so that we can analyse at the atomic scale using either or both x-rays and energy loss spectrometers, whichever is most appropriate.\r* Determine where dopants atoms are in small semiconductor device structures which rely on only a few atoms to operate.\r* Analyse the atoms which are most significant to the operation or effect of catalysts, strong materials, pollutant particles, quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles and iron in the liver.\r* Train the next generation of scientists who will be able to exploit this excellent technology for the benefit of mankind." . . "2006-09-15" . "2011-09-14" . "Yes" . . "1332864.4992"^^ . "EP/D040396/1" . "Announced" . . "SuperSTEM - the UK aberration-corrected STEM facility" . . . . . . "Electron microscopes allow scientists to see and analyse solid materials on the atomic scale. Conventional electron microscopes suffer from aberrations which limit their ability to resolve fine detail. These aberrations can now be corrected, just as defects in human vision can be corrected by glasses. The SuperSTEM project has involved the development and testing of two special aberration-corrected microscopes, the second of which is being installed at the end of 2005. These microscopes enable scientists to determine the nature and position of specific atoms and small groups of atoms in materials such as semiconductor devices, catalysts and environmental particulates. This proposal is to enable the two SuperSTEM microscopes to produce experimental results for applications a range of fields of scientific and technological importance and to give UK researchers and students world-leading expertise in analytical techniques.\rAmong the things we propose to do are:\r* Develop 'smart' ways of collecting information, so that we can look at a single column of atoms for a very long time, even if it is moving slightly.\r* Develop new ways of simulating what atoms and crystal defects should look like in an aberration-corrected STEM, so that we can interpret what we" . "Electron microscopes allow scientists to see and analyse solid materials on the atomic scale. Conventional electron microscopes suffer from aberrations which limit their ability to resolve fine detail. These aberrations can now be corrected, just as defects in human vision can be corrected by glasses. The SuperSTEM project has involved the development and testing of two special aberration-corrected microscopes, the second of which is being installed at the end of 2005. These microscopes enable scientists to determine the nature and position of specific atoms and small groups of atoms in materials such as semiconductor devices, catalysts and environmental particulates. This proposal is to enable the two SuperSTEM microscopes to produce experimental results for applications a range of fields of scientific and technological importance and to give UK researchers and students world-leading expertise in analytical techniques.\rAmong the things we propose to do are:\r* Develop 'smart' ways of collecting information, so that we can look at a single column of atoms for a very long time, even if it is moving slightly.\r* Develop new ways of simulating what atoms and crystal defects should look like in an aberration-corrected STEM, so that we can interpret what we see by comparison with predicted images.\r* Seek collaborators to develop the understanding of the energy loss process as the probe becomes smaller than the atom spacing \r* Develop a new type of x-ray detector so that we can analyse at the atomic scale using either or both x-rays and energy loss spectrometers, whichever is most appropriate.\r* Determine where dopants atoms are in small semiconductor device structures which rely on only a few atoms to operate.\r* Analyse the atoms which are most significant to the operation or effect of catalysts, strong materials, pollutant particles, quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles and iron in the liver.\r* Train the next generation of scientists who will be able to exploit this excellent technology for the benefit of mankind." . . "2007-02-01" . "2012-01-31" . "Yes" . . "446236.9822"^^ . "EP/D040566/1" . "Announced" . . "SuperSTEM - the UK aberration-corrected STEM facility" . . . . . . "Optical fibres have revolutionized the modern world. Information on the Internet, most phone calls, and in particular long distance calls are all transmitted on optical fibres, not on copper wires. Fibre optic technology continues to develop, with new applications in telecommunications to transmit yet more information, or make messages 'automatically find their own way' to the correct destination through the fibre optic network. Additionally special fibres can be used to generate light, and to sense materials in contact with them.\r\rTo make a fibre a rod of glass (the 'preform') is heated to high temperature and pulled into a thread. Much of the skill goes into making the 'preform', which may be made from special 'soft' (that is, fairly low melting point) glasses to achieve special functions. Additionally the preform often needs to contain small holes, or to be a special shape such as a hexagon.\r\rOne way to make these preforms is to force the glass through a die, very much like toothpaste out of a tube, except that it is done at very high temperature and with very big forces! The preforms need to be very accurate, straight, free of bubbles, and the glass must be heated and cooled carefully or it is spoilt.\r\rFor several years we have extruded glass in this way, modifying our machine many times. We now wish to build a dedicated machine incorporating all our existing knowledge from scratch to produce not only better preforms but novel types we cannot make ccurrently. These have the potential to improve many separate research projects." . "Optical fibres have revolutionized the modern world. Information on the Internet, most phone calls, and in particular long distance calls are all transmitted on optical fibres, not on copper wires. Fibre optic technology continues to develop, with new applications in telecommunications to transmit yet more information, or make messages 'automatically find their own way' to the correct destination through the fibre optic network. Additionally special fibres can be used to generate light, and to sense materials in contact with them.\r\rTo make a fibre a rod of glass (the 'preform') is heated to high temperature and pulled into a thread. Much of the skill goes into making the 'preform', which may be made from special 'soft' (that is, fairly low melting point) glasses to achieve special functions. Additionally the preform often needs to contain small holes, or to be a special shape such as a hexagon.\r\rOne way to make these preforms is to force the glass through a die, very much like toothpaste out of a tube, except that it is done at very high temperature and with very big forces! The preforms need to be very accurate, straight, free of bubbles, and the glass must be heated and cooled carefully or it is spoilt.\r\rFor several years we have extruded glass in this" . . "2006-02-01" . "2007-07-31" . "No" . . "79480.86"^^ . "EP/D04555X/1" . "Announced" . . "The Ultimate Soft Glass Extrusion Machine!" . . . . . . "The proposed Basic Technology project aims to achieve a quantum leap in integration techniques for photonic devices by developing and using a range of micro- and nano-scale engineering tools for chemically dissimilar photonic materials; e.g. the glass-based materials with inorganic semiconductors. We anticipate that new tools will have a major impact on existing and emerging photonic components space used from ultra-violet to mid-IR. Potential applications, which we aim to demonstrate, are in signal processing for telecommunications, mid-IR sources and chemical and biological sensor technology, bio-photonics and imaging, space exploration and environment monitoring, data storage, security and military. The Basic Technology consortium comprises of 4 thematic areas / Materials Engineering and passive waveguide devices, Optoelectronic pump sources, Active Devices, and Applications. Complementary research for these 4 areas brings together a multi-disciplinary team encompassing Materials, Optics and Laser Physics, Optoelectronic and Photonic Devices, and the Medical Science and Chemicals Technology. Internationally well-known academic expertise from Leeds (IMR, IMP), Sheffield (EE), Cambridge (Photonic Systems), Heriot-Watt (Nonlinear Optics) and St.Andrews (Physics and Bute Medical School) Universities will demonstrate the key objectives, derived from the photonic integration of glass and inorganic semiconductor materials. The Basic Technology Programme is led by the University of Leeds and is supported by partners from industry, namely BP Chemicals, Renishaw, GlaxoSmithKline, QinetiQ, and NASA Langley (VA, USA)." . "The proposed Basic Technology project aims to achieve a quantum leap in integration techniques for photonic devices by developing and using a range of micro- and nano-scale engineering tools for chemically dissimilar photonic materials; e.g. the glass-based materials with inorganic semiconductors. We anticipate that new tools will have a major impact on existing and emerging photonic components space used from ultra-violet to mid-IR. Potential applications, which we aim to demonstrate, are in signal processing for telecommunications, mid-IR sources and chemical and biological sensor technology, bio-photonics and imaging, space exploration and environment monitoring, data storage, security and military. The Basic Technology consortium comprises of 4 thematic areas / Materials Engineering and passive waveguide devices, Optoelectronic pump sources, Active Devices, and Applications. Complementary research for these 4 areas brings together a multi-disciplinary team encompassing Materials, Optics and Laser Physics, Optoelectronic and Photonic Devices, and the Medical Science and Chemicals Technology. Internationally well-known academic expertise from Leeds (IMR, IMP), Sheffield (EE), Cambridge (Photonic Systems), Heriot-Watt (Nonlinear Optics) and St.Andrews" . . "2006-07-03" . "2010-07-02" . "Yes" . . "858137.955"^^ . "EP/D04622X/1" . "Announced" . . " Nano- and Micro-scale Integration of Glass-on-Semiconductor for Photonic Components Engineering" . . . . . . "Buildings and infrastructures age just like human beings, and over time they deteriorate, needing engineers to act on them like doctors do on human beings. Many structures in the built environment are made of reinforced concrete (RC). RC is a material, made of a cement paste mixed with aggregates (sands and stones of different granulometry) very good to absorb compression forces but very weak in tension, indeed reinforced with steel re-bars to supply the missing required tensile strength. Because RC is in use in the construction industry since the beginning of 1900's, many structures are indeed old and in need of structural assessment and retrofitting, to re-establish their initial as-built performances or to adapt them to new standards. Recent studies have shown that high performance composite materials, under the name of Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP), may be well suited for retrofit type applications where there is need of restoring or adding strength to RC members. FRP provide indeed a very effective strength/weight ratio and are very durable materials. FRP are defined as a polymer matrix that is reinforced with fibres, generally carbon, glass or aramid fibres, to provide a discernable reinforcing function in one or more directions. FRP are anisotrop" . "Buildings and infrastructures age just like human beings, and over time they deteriorate, needing engineers to act on them like doctors do on human beings. Many structures in the built environment are made of reinforced concrete (RC). RC is a material, made of a cement paste mixed with aggregates (sands and stones of different granulometry) very good to absorb compression forces but very weak in tension, indeed reinforced with steel re-bars to supply the missing required tensile strength. Because RC is in use in the construction industry since the beginning of 1900's, many structures are indeed old and in need of structural assessment and retrofitting, to re-establish their initial as-built performances or to adapt them to new standards. Recent studies have shown that high performance composite materials, under the name of Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP), may be well suited for retrofit type applications where there is need of restoring or adding strength to RC members. FRP provide indeed a very effective strength/weight ratio and are very durable materials. FRP are defined as a polymer matrix that is reinforced with fibres, generally carbon, glass or aramid fibres, to provide a discernable reinforcing function in one or more directions. FRP are anisotropic (properties vary with the direction) and experience a linear elastic behaviour up to failure. \rWhen dealing with reinforced concrete structures, bonding steel plates using epoxy resins to the tension zone of concrete beams is a well established method of improving structural performance. The technique is effective and has been used extensively in the rehabilitation of bridges and buildings. However, corrosion of the steel plates can cause deterioration of the bond at the glued steel-concrete interface, and consequently, render the structure vulnerable to loss of strength and possible collapse. The inherent corrosive property of ferrous materials has focused attention on FRP as a potential structural strengthening material to be used in rehabilitation and post-tensioning applications. \rConventional FRP applications have focused on applying the material without any pre-tensioning force, being able to increase the ultimate capacity of the member in question by coupling reduced deflections, but without taking full advantage of the high tensile properties of the FRP and consequently not improving the serviceability performance (i.e. performance in the every day life) of the structure. The proposed project intends to develop an innovative system to bond pre-" . . "2006-06-01" . "2009-05-31" . "No" . . "126851.168"^^ . "EP/D047218/1" . "Announced" . . "Development of a Prototype System for Prestressing FRP Composite Systems for NSM Structural Strengthening." . . . . . . "The proposed Basic Technology project aims to achieve a quantum leap in integration techniques for photonic devices by developing and using a range of micro- and nano-scale engineering tools for chemically dissimilar photonic materials; e.g. the glass-based materials with inorganic semiconductors. We anticipate that new tools will have a major impact on existing and emerging photonic components space used from ultra-violet to mid-IR. Potential applications, which we aim to demonstrate, are in signal processing for telecommunications, mid-IR sources and chemical and biological sensor technology, bio-photonics and imaging, space exploration and environment monitoring, data storage, security and military. The Basic Technology consortium comprises of 4 thematic areas / Materials Engineering and passive waveguide devices, Optoelectronic pump sources, Active Devices, and Applications. Complementary research for these 4 areas brings together a multi-disciplinary team encompassing Materials, Optics and Laser Physics, Optoelectronic and Photonic Devices, and the Medical Science and Chemicals Technology. Internationally well-known academic expertise from Leeds (IMR, IMP), Sheffield (EE), Cambridge (Photonic Systems), Heriot-Watt (Nonlinear Optics) and St.Andrews (Physics and Bute Medical School) Universities will demonstrate the key objectives, derived from the photonic integration of glass and inorganic semiconductor materials. The Basic Technology Programme is led by the University of Leeds and is supported by partners from industry, namely BP Chemicals, Renishaw,Intense, GlaxoSmithKline, QinetiQ, and NASA Langley (VA, USA)." . "The proposed Basic Technology project aims to achieve a quantum leap in integration techniques for photonic devices by developing and using a range of micro- and nano-scale engineering tools for chemically dissimilar photonic materials; e.g. the glass-based materials with inorganic semiconductors. We anticipate that new tools will have a major impact on existing and emerging photonic components space used from ultra-violet to mid-IR. Potential applications, which we aim to demonstrate, are in signal processing for telecommunications, mid-IR sources and chemical and biological sensor technology, bio-photonics and imaging, space exploration and environment monitoring, data storage, security and military. The Basic Technology consortium comprises of 4 thematic areas / Materials Engineering and passive waveguide devices, Optoelectronic pump sources, Active Devices, and Applications. Complementary research for these 4 areas brings together a multi-disciplinary team encompassing Materials, Optics and Laser Physics, Optoelectronic and Photonic Devices, and the Medical Science and Chemicals Technology. Internationally well-known academic expertise from Leeds (IMR, IMP), Sheffield (EE), Cambridge (Photonic Systems), Heriot-Watt (Nonlinear Optics) and St.Andrews" . . "2006-06-01" . "2010-11-30" . "Yes" . . "471319.67"^^ . "EP/D047269/1" . "Announced" . . " Nano- and Micro-scale Integration of Glass-on-Semiconductor for Photonic Components Engineering" . . . . . . "The proposed Basic Technology project aims to achieve a quantum leap in integration techniques for photonic devices by developing and using a range of micro- and nano-scale engineering tools for chemically dissimilar photonic materials; e.g. the glass-based materials with inorganic semiconductors. We anticipate that new tools will have a major impact on existing and emerging photonic components space used from ultra-violet to mid-IR. Potential applications, which we aim to demonstrate, are in signal processing for telecommunications, mid-IR sources and chemical and biological sensor technology, bio-photonics and imaging, space exploration and environment monitoring, data storage, security and military. The Basic Technology consortium comprises of 4 thematic areas / Materials Engineering and passive waveguide devices, Optoelectronic pump sources, Active Devices, and Applications. Complementary research for these 4 areas brings together a multi-disciplinary team encompassing Materials, Optics and Laser Physics, Optoelectronic and Photonic Devices, and the Medical Science and Chemicals Technology. Internationally well-known academic expertise from Leeds (IMR, IMP), Sheffield (EE), Cambridge (Photonic Systems), Heriot-Watt (Nonlinear Optics) and St.Andrews (Physics and Bute Medical School) Universities will demonstrate the key objectives, derived from the photonic integration of glass and inorganic semiconductor materials. The Basic Technology Programme is led by the University of Leeds and is supported by partners from industry, namely BP Chemicals, Renishaw, GlaxoSmithKline, QinetiQ, and NASA Langley (VA, USA)." . "The proposed Basic Technology project aims to achieve a quantum leap in integration techniques for photonic devices by developing and using a range of micro- and nano-scale engineering tools for chemically dissimilar photonic materials; e.g. the glass-based materials with inorganic semiconductors. We anticipate that new tools will have a major impact on existing and emerging photonic components space used from ultra-violet to mid-IR. Potential applications, which we aim to demonstrate, are in signal processing for telecommunications, mid-IR sources and chemical and biological sensor technology, bio-photonics and imaging, space exploration and environment monitoring, data storage, security and military. The Basic Technology consortium comprises of 4 thematic areas / Materials Engineering and passive waveguide devices, Optoelectronic pump sources, Active Devices, and Applications. Complementary research for these 4 areas brings together a multi-disciplinary team encompassing Materials, Optics and Laser Physics, Optoelectronic and Photonic Devices, and the Medical Science and Chemicals Technology. Internationally well-known academic expertise from Leeds (IMR, IMP), Sheffield (EE), Cambridge (Photonic Systems), Heriot-Watt (Nonlinear Optics) and St.Andrews" . . "2006-08-01" . "2010-07-31" . "Yes" . . "419102.25"^^ . "EP/D04801X/1" . "Announced" . . " Nano- and Micro-scale Integration of Glass-on-Semiconductor for Photonic Components Engineering" . . . . . . "The proposed Basic Technology project aims to achieve a quantum leap in integration techniques for photonic devices by developing and using a range of micro- and nano-scale engineering tools for chemically dissimilar photonic materials; e.g. the glass-based materials with inorganic semiconductors. We anticipate that new tools will have a major impact on existing and emerging photonic components space used from ultra-violet to mid-IR. Potential applications, which we aim to demonstrate, are in signal processing for telecommunications, mid-IR sources and chemical and biological sensor technology, bio-photonics and imaging, space exploration and environment monitoring, data storage, security and military. The Basic Technology consortium comprises of 4 thematic areas / Materials Engineering and passive waveguide devices, Optoelectronic pump sources, Active Devices, and Applications. Complementary research for these 4 areas brings together a multi-disciplinary team encompassing Materials, Optics and Laser Physics, Optoelectronic and Photonic Devices, and the Medical Science and Chemicals Technology. Internationally well-known academic expertise from Leeds (IMR, IMP), Sheffield (EE), Cambridge (Photonic Systems), Heriot-Watt (Nonlinear Optics) and St.Andrews (Physics and Bute Medical School) Universities will demonstrate the key objectives, derived from the photonic integration of glass and inorganic semiconductor materials. The Basic Technology Programme is led by the University of Leeds and is supported by partners from industry, namely BP Chemicals, Renishaw, GlaxoSmithKline, QinetiQ, and NASA Langley (VA, USA)." . "The proposed Basic Technology project aims to achieve a quantum leap in integration techniques for photonic devices by developing and using a range of micro- and nano-scale engineering tools for chemically dissimilar photonic materials; e.g. the glass-based materials with inorganic semiconductors. We anticipate that new tools will have a major impact on existing and emerging photonic components space used from ultra-violet to mid-IR. Potential applications, which we aim to demonstrate, are in signal processing for telecommunications, mid-IR sources and chemical and biological sensor technology, bio-photonics and imaging, space exploration and environment monitoring, data storage, security and military. The Basic Technology consortium comprises of 4 thematic areas / Materials Engineering and passive waveguide devices, Optoelectronic pump sources, Active Devices, and Applications. Complementary research for these 4 areas brings together a multi-disciplinary team encompassing Materials, Optics and Laser Physics, Optoelectronic and Photonic Devices, and the Medical Science and Chemicals Technology. Internationally well-known academic expertise from Leeds (IMR, IMP), Sheffield (EE), Cambridge (Photonic Systems), Heriot-Watt (Nonlinear Optics) and St.Andrews" . . "2006-10-01" . "2010-09-30" . "Yes" . . "1223616.84"^^ . "EP/D048672/1" . "Announced" . . " Nano- and Micro-scale Integration of Glass-on-Semiconductor for Photonic Components Engineering" . . . . . . "Advances in X-ray digital imaging over the last 15 years have revolutionised the way that we observe the world. For example, medical images are improving in resolution and clarity; the automotive and aerospace industries have used tomographic imaging to find faults, cracks and dislocations in sensitive components; the scanners used at airports for baggage surveillance have increased in sophistication and are often using substance recognition techniques and as a final example X-ray imaging cameras have been launched into space in order to provide more detailed information about the origins of our universe. \rHowever impressive these developments may be the technology of 3D imaging is severely limited by the currently available detector arrays. The origins of this limitation can be found in the materials that are currently used in these arrays. We wish to develop a new and novel range of semiconductor materials made from heavy elements ideally suited to making array detectors that will operate with high energy X-rays. At present it is not possible to obtain defect free material of area greater than about one square cm and even this cannot be guaranteed. We will rectify this problem and deliver high quality semiconductor material for our applications in ad" . "Advances in X-ray digital imaging over the last 15 years have revolutionised the way that we observe the world. For example, medical images are improving in resolution and clarity; the automotive and aerospace industries have used tomographic imaging to find faults, cracks and dislocations in sensitive components; the scanners used at airports for baggage surveillance have increased in sophistication and are often using substance recognition techniques and as a final example X-ray imaging cameras have been launched into space in order to provide more detailed information about the origins of our universe. \rHowever impressive these developments may be the technology of 3D imaging is severely limited by the currently available detector arrays. The origins of this limitation can be found in the materials that are currently used in these arrays. We wish to develop a new and novel range of semiconductor materials made from heavy elements ideally suited to making array detectors that will operate with high energy X-rays. At present it is not possible to obtain defect free material of area greater than about one square cm and even this cannot be guaranteed. We will rectify this problem and deliver high quality semiconductor material for our applications in addition to supplying material for many other UK applications that are not specifically part of our consortium's proposal.\rThese new materials will have instant applications across the sciences. The use of such materials in these cases is not merely incremental; they will enable entirely new materials to be examined and will give us images of unparalleled quality and information content. We will use the many wavelengths (colour information) present in X-ray sources to fingerprint materials as well as image them. High energy X-rays have the ability to penetrate deeply into materials allowing the examination of dense objects such as welds in steel, geological core sections bearing oil or gas or for the internal observation of chemical reactions inside heavy plant or machinery. The use of higher energy X-rays has a further advantage in medical diagnosis delivering clearer images with lower radiation doses. \rAt present no suitable materials exist anywhere in the world that will satisfy the demanding technical requirements of high energy X-ray imaging. We will establish a UK technology base for the development and production of high purity heavy semiconductor materials. These materials are promising candidate semiconductors that combine high efficiency with good" . . "2006-07-01" . "2010-09-30" . "Yes" . . "3013067.7462"^^ . "EP/D048737/1" . "Announced" . . "New Materials for High Energy Colour X-ray Imaging" . . . . . . "Nanotechnology is concerned with the control of material properties and processes on a very small scale - comparable with the size of single molecules or atoms. The development of new techniques to achieve this level of control has been an active area of research for many years and it has become clear that there are many technological benefits which will follow from these developments. Perhaps the most obvious example of these benefits is the progressive increase in speed and memory of computers which has had enormous impact on society and is a direct result of the ability to manufacture ever smaller electronic components. The traditional approach to making small, nanoscale, structures is known as 'top-down'. In this approach the starting point is to take a large object and use various technologies to process it into smaller objects. For example one might start with a silicon surface and form features on the surface which have very small dimensions - in fact this is how a silicon microprocessor which controls a computer is manufactured. \r\rIn our application we propose a revolutionary technology which may be classified as a 'bottom-up' nanotechnology. Here the approach is almost the opposite to the 'top-down' approach in that an object is built out of comp" . "Nanotechnology is concerned with the control of material properties and processes on a very small scale - comparable with the size of single molecules or atoms. The development of new techniques to achieve this level of control has been an active area of research for many years and it has become clear that there are many technological benefits which will follow from these developments. Perhaps the most obvious example of these benefits is the progressive increase in speed and memory of computers which has had enormous impact on society and is a direct result of the ability to manufacture ever smaller electronic components. The traditional approach to making small, nanoscale, structures is known as 'top-down'. In this approach the starting point is to take a large object and use various technologies to process it into smaller objects. For example one might start with a silicon surface and form features on the surface which have very small dimensions - in fact this is how a silicon microprocessor which controls a computer is manufactured. \r\rIn our application we propose a revolutionary technology which may be classified as a 'bottom-up' nanotechnology. Here the approach is almost the opposite to the 'top-down' approach in that an object is built out of components which are smaller than the resulting structure. An everyday example would be a house which is built of smaller building blocks - bricks! The building blocks in our case would be single molecules, but, unlike the everyday example, our molecular bricks may be designed or programmed to interact with each other so that they spontaneously form structures of interest. This process is known as 'self-assembly' and is achieved by incorporating in the molecule some special groups which promote interactions to control the alignment and position of neighbouring molecules. In our work we use hydrogen bonding interactions - the forces which hold together many of the molecules of life such as proteins and DNA.\r\rThe 'self-assembled' structures we have made so far have been relatively simple - honeycomb networks of molecules sitting on a surface. In these networks one molecule forms the honeycomb edge and another the vertex. Most importantly the spacing of the voids of the honeycomb is very small - about 3.5 nanometres, equivalent to a few tens of atoms or alternatively about 3 large molecules such as buckyballs - and can be controlled through the choice of edge molecules. Remarkably, we have found that the holes of the honeycomb network can be filled up in a contr" . . "2006-07-01" . "2010-12-31" . "Yes" . . "3462495.14"^^ . "EP/D048761/1" . "Announced" . . "Supramolecular self-assembly of 1-10nm templates for biofunctional surfaces, quantum information processing and nanoelectronics" . . . . . . "The proposed Basic Technology project aims to achieve a quantum leap in integration techniques for photonic devices by developing and using a range of micro- and nano-scale engineering tools for chemically dissimilar photonic materials; e.g. the glass-based materials with inorganic semiconductors. We anticipate that new tools will have a major impact on existing and emerging photonic components space used from ultra-violet to mid-IR. Potential applications, which we aim to demonstrate, are in signal processing for telecommunications, mid-IR sources and chemical and biological sensor technology, bio-photonics and imaging, space exploration and environment monitoring, data storage, security and military. The Basic Technology consortium comprises of 4 thematic areas / Materials Engineering and passive waveguide devices, Optoelectronic pump sources, Active Devices, and Applications. Complementary research for these 4 areas brings together a multi-disciplinary team encompassing Materials, Optics and Laser Physics, Optoelectronic and Photonic Devices, and the Medical Science and Chemicals Technology. Internationally well-known academic expertise from Leeds (IMR, IMP), Sheffield (EE), Cambridge (Photonic Systems), Heriot-Watt (Nonlinear Optics) and St.Andrews" . "The proposed Basic Technology project aims to achieve a quantum leap in integration techniques for photonic devices by developing and using a range of micro- and nano-scale engineering tools for chemically dissimilar photonic materials; e.g. the glass-based materials with inorganic semiconductors. We anticipate that new tools will have a major impact on existing and emerging photonic components space used from ultra-violet to mid-IR. Potential applications, which we aim to demonstrate, are in signal processing for telecommunications, mid-IR sources and chemical and biological sensor technology, bio-photonics and imaging, space exploration and environment monitoring, data storage, security and military. The Basic Technology consortium comprises of 4 thematic areas / Materials Engineering and passive waveguide devices, Optoelectronic pump sources, Active Devices, and Applications. Complementary research for these 4 areas brings together a multi-disciplinary team encompassing Materials, Optics and Laser Physics, Optoelectronic and Photonic Devices, and the Medical Science and Chemicals Technology. Internationally well-known academic expertise from Leeds (IMR, IMP), Sheffield (EE), Cambridge (Photonic Systems), Heriot-Watt (Nonlinear Optics) and St.Andrews (Physics and Bute Medical School) Universities will demonstrate the key objectives, derived from the photonic integration of glass and inorganic semiconductor materials. The Basic Technology Programme is led by the University of Leeds and is supported by partners from industry, namely BP Chemicals, Renishaw, GlaxoSmithKline, QinetiQ, and NASA Langley (VA, USA)." . . "2006-10-01" . "2010-09-30" . "Yes" . . "565680"^^ . "EP/D048982/1" . "Announced" . . " Nano- and Micro-scale Integration of Glass-on-Semiconductor for Photonic Components Engineering" . . . . . . "A lens in an optical microscope is made of glass - it has to be transparent. You make a mirror from a piece of glass by coating it with metal - which reflects light. But if you drill a series of tiny holes, much smaller than the wavelength of light, in a metal film, then, magically, the light goes through the metal. This remarkable behaviour is driven by plasmons - the oscillations of the electron gas in a metal. Plasmons can be created by the absorption of light and can decay by the emission of light: in other words, they provide a new way to transmit optical information. There is more than one kind of plasmon - small particles (clusters) have local plasmon modes but on an extended metal surface you get propagating modes, which show dispersion. This means that the frequency of the surface plasmon depends on the wavelength. We can imagine that if we place a metal cluster on top of a metal surface, the two different kinds of plasmon mode will couple together, and that at a special wavelength this coupling could be very strong. Effects like this could be exploited in novel optical devices, photonic circuits or biosensors. The aim of this project is to use a technique called electron energy loss spectroscopy to measure the plasmon dispersion on surfaces deco" . "A lens in an optical microscope is made of glass - it has to be transparent. You make a mirror from a piece of glass by coating it with metal - which reflects light. But if you drill a series of tiny holes, much smaller than the wavelength of light, in a metal film, then, magically, the light goes through the metal. This remarkable behaviour is driven by plasmons - the oscillations of the electron gas in a metal. Plasmons can be created by the absorption of light and can decay by the emission of light: in other words, they provide a new way to transmit optical information. There is more than one kind of plasmon - small particles (clusters) have local plasmon modes but on an extended metal surface you get propagating modes, which show dispersion. This means that the frequency of the surface plasmon depends on the wavelength. We can imagine that if we place a metal cluster on top of a metal surface, the two different kinds of plasmon mode will couple together, and that at a special wavelength this coupling could be very strong. Effects like this could be exploited in novel optical devices, photonic circuits or biosensors. The aim of this project is to use a technique called electron energy loss spectroscopy to measure the plasmon dispersion on surfaces decorated with atomic clusters of selected size and shape, and to explore the phenomena of localisation and coupling of the plasmons in these systems. We need to design systems in which the frequency of the cluster mode is not far away from that of the surface mode. Silver clusters on a gold surface make a good choice, especially if the silver cluster is distorted in shape from spherical to ellipsoidal, which lowers its plasmon frequency. Then we may see a resonant coupling of the two modes at a specific wavelength. We can also envisage coupling other kinds of local excitation mode to the surface plasmons, such as so-called electron-hole pair excitations in semiconductor clusters or molecules. The experiment works the same way. But there is also a completely different type of measurement we want to attempt, where we measure the field of the plasmon in real space, on the nanometre scale, around and between the individual clusters. This is complementary way to explore the effects of the couping between the plasmons of the cluster and the surface, and exploits a new technique we have invented, called Scanning Probe Energy Loss Spectroscopy (SPELS). Like the plasmons, it's magic!" . . "2006-06-01" . "2009-11-30" . "Yes" . . "246340.0492"^^ . "EP/D049245/1" . "Announced" . . "Localisation and Coupling of Plasmon Modes in Size-Selected Cluster Films Probed by EELS" . . . . . . "Nitride semiconductors are used to make mass produced white and blue Light emitting diodes. The researchers propose to use a source of intense high frequency radio waves (terahertz), available at the university of califonia, to modulate the wavelength of light emission from such devices. Since it is possible to detect visible light using very sensitive (photon counting) technologies the effects of such studies will open up routes to detect such radio waves with extreme sensitivity. This will impact in many areas such as astronomy, telecommunication, medical imaging....." . . "2006-01-01" . "2007-03-31" . "No" . . "18233.2"^^ . "EP/D051304/1" . "Announced" . . "THz electro-optics of nitride semiconductors: a feasibility study" . . . . . . "There is an increasingly high level of commercial and scientific interest in nitride semiconductors both nationally and internationally. The group III-nitrides (AlN, GaN and InN and their solid solutions) are being used increasingly for amber, green, blue and white light emitting diodes (LEDs), for blue/UV laser diodes (LDs) and for high-power, high-frequency and high temperature electronic devices. There are two common growth methods used to prepared nitride semiconductors - metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). In MBE, nitrogen is mainly supplied either as ammonia or active nitrogen from a plasma source. Despite the rapid advances in nitride device technology, the basic growth kinetics are largely unknown for both plasma-assisted MBE (PA-MBE) and for ammonia MBE (GS-MBE), especially for non-polar orientations.\r\rThere is also an increasing level of commercial and scientific interest in dilute nitride semiconductors both nationally and internationally for long-wavelength optical communications. This stems from the observation that small quantities of nitrogen in GaAs reduce very significantly the band gap leading to longer wavelength emission. In this field, MBE is the preferred technology. Despite the rapid advances in dilute nitride semiconductors, the basic growth kinetics are largely unknown and MBE growth is based entirely on empirical knowledge. \r\rAt the same time, during the last decade spintronics has become as a major subject of research, which requires magnetic semiconductors. The emerging field of semiconductor spintronics offers new prospects for non-volatile high speed information storage and processing. An important milestone in this field was the discovery of carrier-mediated ferromagnetism in GaAs doped with Mn. Now at Nottingham we have achieved a world record ferromagnetic transition temperatures, TC, in GaMnAs of 173K. However, for widespread technological use of these systems, a TC significantly above 300K is needed. Theoretical predictions suggest that for Ga1-xMnxN (x > 0.05) having a hole concentration of >3.5x10(20)cm-3 the Curie temperature should be >300K. However, the basic growth kinetics for ferromagnetic semiconductors such as GaMnN, GaCrN etc. is also largely unknown and again based entirely on empirical knowledge.\r\rAt Philips, and more recently at Imperial College and University of Nottingham, a powerful tool was developed to study the MBE growth kinetics known as modulated beam mass spectrometry (MBMS). The basic technique uses a mass" . "There is an increasingly high level of commercial and scientific interest in nitride semiconductors both nationally and internationally. The group III-nitrides (AlN, GaN and InN and their solid solutions) are being used increasingly for amber, green, blue and white light emitting diodes (LEDs), for blue/UV laser diodes (LDs) and for high-power, high-frequency and high temperature electronic devices. There are two common growth methods used to prepared nitride semiconductors - metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). In MBE, nitrogen is mainly supplied either as ammonia or active nitrogen from a plasma source. Despite the rapid advances in nitride device technology, the basic growth kinetics are largely unknown for both plasma-assisted MBE (PA-MBE) and for ammonia MBE (GS-MBE), especially for non-polar orientations.\r\rThere is also an increasing level of commercial and scientific interest in dilute nitride semiconductors both nationally and internationally for long-wavelength optical communications. This stems from the observation that small quantities of nitrogen in GaAs reduce very significantly the band gap leading to longer wavelength emission. In this field, MBE is the preferred technology. Despite the rapid advances" . . "2007-01-01" . "2010-03-31" . "Yes" . . "271853.25"^^ . "EP/D051487/1" . "Announced" . . "Investigation of growth kinetics and incorporation of impurities in group III-nitrides and group III-dilute nitrides using mass spectroscopy" . . . . . . "This is a feasibility study aimed at investigating new materials to sensitise light emission from erbium ions in silica. Erbium is an important material for telecommunications and photonics as it emits light in the low-loss window of silica optical fibres, and for this reason it has found wide application in the Erbium Doped Fibre Amplifier. However, erbium has a very small excitation cross-section, suffers from clustering effects at high concentrations, and must be excited using expensive high-power lasers. Recent work has shown that these limitations can be overcome by exciting erbium ions via silicon nanoclusters, which have a large excitation cross section, can be excited using broad-band sources (e.g. LEDs), and couple excitation efficiently to nearby erbium ions. However, there are compelling scientific and technological reasons to investigate alternative sensitising agents. Scientifically, there remains much to be understood about the precise nature of the sensitisation process, and technologically it is important to identify the most efficient sensitiser that is compatible with existing processing technologies. Work by our group has indicated that aluminium may be an efficient sensitiser, and we have good reason to suspect that the same may also b" . "This is a feasibility study aimed at investigating new materials to sensitise light emission from erbium ions in silica. Erbium is an important material for telecommunications and photonics as it emits light in the low-loss window of silica optical fibres, and for this reason it has found wide application in the Erbium Doped Fibre Amplifier. However, erbium has a very small excitation cross-section, suffers from clustering effects at high concentrations, and must be excited using expensive high-power lasers. Recent work has shown that these limitations can be overcome by exciting erbium ions via silicon nanoclusters, which have a large excitation cross section, can be excited using broad-band sources (e.g. LEDs), and couple excitation efficiently to nearby erbium ions. However, there are compelling scientific and technological reasons to investigate alternative sensitising agents. Scientifically, there remains much to be understood about the precise nature of the sensitisation process, and technologically it is important to identify the most efficient sensitiser that is compatible with existing processing technologies. Work by our group has indicated that aluminium may be an efficient sensitiser, and we have good reason to suspect that the same may also be true of boron clusters. Booth materials are very attractive because they are fully compatible with conventional silicon and silica fibre processing. The purpose of this project, therefore, is to fabricate a set of samples by ion implantation to investigate novel sensitisers." . . "2005-11-01" . "2006-10-31" . "No" . . "3052.05"^^ . "EP/D051746/1" . "Announced" . . "Implantation of Al and B for broadband sensitisation of rare-earth doped silica" . . . . . . "When scientists investigate problems, like all good detectives they need clues as to what is happening. For a whole range of key problems, techniques that can reveal the local environment around an atom are crucial to provide insight into the structure at this level, which often governs how a material or molecule behaves. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has increased in importance throughout the sciences as it is an element specific probe that can distinguish very small changes in the surroundings of different sites (e.g. the number of corners by which an SiO4 unit is connected in a structure, or the different bonding of carbon, such as the differences between CH3 and CH2). \rNMR exploits the inherent magnetism of atomic nuclei: like the alignment of a compass needle in the Earth's magnetic field, nuclear magnets have a preferred direction when placed in a strong magnetic field. This preference, however, is weak and a nuclear magnet can be made to change its direction from e.g. aligned with to aligned against the magnetic field, by applying a resonant radio wave, i.e., one whose frequency and hence energy matches precisely the energy required to flip the nuclear magnet. The electrons surrounding the atomic nucleus are also affected by the presence of a magnetic field. Importantly, the resonant frequency of a particular nucleus depends very sensitively on this additional response of the electrons, such that the atomic nuclei act as spies of the local electron environment and hence the specific chemical bonding allowing it to be used to probe environments as described above.\rThe resonant frequencies of different nuclear isotopes are well separated such that an NMR spectrum is specific to a particular chosen isotope. (An element can exist as different isotopes whereby there is the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons in the nucleus - the number refers to the total number of protons and neutrons.) This project will make use of much of the Periodic Table. Some nuclei are 'easy' (such as 13C and 29Si) but others have been rarely observed by NMR (e.g. 33S, 47,49Ti). The project is to provide the state of the art equipment to allow the latest, modern experiments to be implemented and new ones designed. The equipment will be used in conjunction with a high magnetic field, and this makes possible some experiments that are not possible at lower fields because of the increased resolution for some nuclei and larger signal that the system will provide. One of the key plus points for NM" . "When scientists investigate problems, like all good detectives they need clues as to what is happening. For a whole range of key problems, techniques that can reveal the local environment around an atom are crucial to provide insight into the structure at this level, which often governs how a material or molecule behaves. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has increased in importance throughout the sciences as it is an element specific probe that can distinguish very small changes in the surroundings of different sites (e.g. the number of corners by which an SiO4 unit is connected in a structure, or the different bonding of carbon, such as the differences between CH3 and CH2). \rNMR exploits the inherent magnetism of atomic nuclei: like the alignment of a compass needle in the Earth's magnetic field, nuclear magnets have a preferred direction when placed in a strong magnetic field. This preference, however, is weak and a nuclear magnet can be made to change its direction from e.g. aligned with to aligned against the magnetic field, by applying a resonant radio wave, i.e., one whose frequency and hence energy matches precisely the energy required to flip the nuclear magnet. The electrons surrounding the atomic nucleus are also affected by the pre" . . "2006-01-01" . "2008-12-31" . "No" . . "450927.8216"^^ . "EP/D051908/1" . "Announced" . . "Renewing the Warwick 600 MHz Solid-State NMR System: Enabling State of the Art Technique Development and Novel Structural Applications" . . . . . . "We propose the most fundamental, ambitious and concerted, multi-disciplinary investigation into the understanding of crystal growth and rational design of open framework, nano-porous materials yet attempted. We believe the findings from this study will mark a major leap forward into our understanding of crystal growth and our ability to exploit our understanding to produce new materials with unique properties and applications. Extensive studies on the synthesis of porous materials have been carried out. However, the majority of this synthetic work has been aimed primarily at either (i) the discovery of new structures, (ii) modification or improvement of existing materials or (iii) process development to enable such materials to be produced successfully on a large scale. The effort so far on synthesis and crystallisation mechanism has yielded many positive results but also many unanswered questions, for example: (i) the detailed mechanism of nucleation (ii) the identity of growth species and (iii) whether nanocrystal growth occurs by addition or aggregation. This research involves the application of a powerful set of complementary techniques to the study of crystal growth of open-framework materials comprising: atomic force microscopy, high resolution transmission and scanning electron microscopies, in-situ NMR with enhanced data processing, X-ray diffraction and mass spectrometry. A substantially better understanding of the synthesis process is likely to yield important economic benefits, for example, better process control, increased efficiency in reagent usage, improved reproducibility and the capacity to modify or tailor products for specific applications. Perhaps most important of all would be the ability to identify successful synthetic routes to as-yet unknown structures and compositions which have been predicted on theoretical grounds to have beneficial characteristics. Such a step forward to a new level of primary understanding would open the way to innovative applications in chemistry, physics (ordered arrays) and biomaterials." . "We propose the most fundamental, ambitious and concerted, multi-disciplinary investigation into the understanding of crystal growth and rational design of open framework, nano-porous materials yet attempted. We believe the findings from this study will mark a major leap forward into our understanding of crystal growth and our ability to exploit our understanding to produce new materials with unique properties and applications. Extensive studies on the synthesis of porous materials have been carried out. However, the majority of this synthetic work has been aimed primarily at either (i) the discovery of new structures, (ii) modification or improvement of existing materials or (iii) process development to enable such materials to be produced successfully on a large scale. The effort so far on synthesis and crystallisation mechanism has yielded many positive results but also many unanswered questions, for example: (i) the detailed mechanism of nucleation (ii) the identity of growth species and (iii) whether nanocrystal growth occurs by addition or aggregation. This research involves the application of a powerful set of complementary techniques to the study of crystal growth of open-framework materials comprising: atomic force microscopy, high resolution tr" . . "2006-10-01" . "2010-03-31" . "Yes" . . "834617.1246"^^ . "EP/D053161/1" . "Announced" . . "Crystal Growth of Nanoporous Materials" . . . . . . "We propose the most fundamental, ambitious and concerted, multi-disciplinary investigation into the understanding of crystal growth and rational design of open framework, nano-porous materials yet attempted. We believe the findings from this study will mark a major leap forward into our understanding of crystal growth and our ability to exploit our understanding to produce new materials with unique properties and applications. Extensive studies on the synthesis of porous materials have been carried out. However, the majority of this synthetic work has been aimed primarily at either (i) the discovery of new structures, (ii) modification or improvement of existing materials or (iii) process development to enable such materials to be produced successfully on a large scale. The effort so far on synthesis and crystallisation mechanism has yielded many positive results but also many unanswered questions, for example: (i) the detailed mechanism of nucleation (ii) the identity of growth species and (iii) whether nanocrystal growth occurs by addition or aggregation. This research involves the application of a powerful set of complementary techniques to the study of crystal growth of open-framework materials comprising: atomic force microscopy, high resolution tr" . "We propose the most fundamental, ambitious and concerted, multi-disciplinary investigation into the understanding of crystal growth and rational design of open framework, nano-porous materials yet attempted. We believe the findings from this study will mark a major leap forward into our understanding of crystal growth and our ability to exploit our understanding to produce new materials with unique properties and applications. Extensive studies on the synthesis of porous materials have been carried out. However, the majority of this synthetic work has been aimed primarily at either (i) the discovery of new structures, (ii) modification or improvement of existing materials or (iii) process development to enable such materials to be produced successfully on a large scale. The effort so far on synthesis and crystallisation mechanism has yielded many positive results but also many unanswered questions, for example: (i) the detailed mechanism of nucleation (ii) the identity of growth species and (iii) whether nanocrystal growth occurs by addition or aggregation. This research involves the application of a powerful set of complementary techniques to the study of crystal growth of open-framework materials comprising: atomic force microscopy, high resolution transmission and scanning electron microscopies, in-situ NMR with enhanced data processing, X-ray diffraction and mass spectrometry. A substantially better understanding of the synthesis process is likely to yield important economic benefits, for example, better process control, increased efficiency in reagent usage, improved reproducibility and the capacity to modify or tailor products for specific applications. Perhaps most important of all would be the ability to identify successful synthetic routes to as-yet unknown structures and compositions which have been predicted on theoretical grounds to have beneficial characteristics. Such a step forward to a new level of primary understanding would open the way to innovative applications in chemistry, physics (ordered arrays) and biomaterials." . . "Mon Jul 24 01:00:00 BST 2006" . "Tue Jul 31 01:00:00 BST 2007" . "No" . . "272885.83"^^ . "EP/D053897/1" . "Announced" . . "Crystal Growth of Nanoporous Materials" . "We propose the most fundamental, ambitious and concerted, multi-disciplinary investigation into the understanding of crystal growth and rational design of open framework, nano-porous materials yet attempted. We believe the findings from this study will mark a major leap forward into our understanding of crystal growth and our ability to exploit our understanding to produce new materials with unique properties and applications. Extensive studies on the synthesis of porous materials have been carried out. However, the majority of this synthetic work has been aimed primarily at either (i) the discovery of new structures, (ii) modification or improvement of existing materials or (iii) process development to enable such materials to be produced successfully on a large scale. The effort so far on synthesis and crystallisation mechanism has yielded many positive results but also many unanswered questions, for example: (i) the detailed mechanism of nucleation (ii) the identity of growth species and (iii) whether nanocrystal growth occurs by addition or aggregation. This research involves the application of a powerful set of complementary techniques to the study of crystal growth of open-framework materials comprising: atomic force microscopy, high resolution transmission and scanning electron microscopies, in-situ NMR with enhanced data processing, X-ray diffraction and mass spectrometry. A substantially better understanding of the synthesis process is likely to yield important economic benefits, for example, better process control, increased efficiency in reagent usage, improved reproducibility and the capacity to modify or tailor products for specific applications. Perhaps most important of all would be the ability to identify successful synthetic routes to as-yet unknown structures and compositions which have been predicted on theoretical grounds to have beneficial characteristics. Such a step forward to a new level of primary understanding would open the way to innovative applications in chemistry, physics (ordered arrays) and biomaterials." . "We propose the most fundamental, ambitious and concerted, multi-disciplinary investigation into the understanding of crystal growth and rational design of open framework, nano-porous materials yet attempted. We believe the findings from this study will mark a major leap forward into our understanding of crystal growth and our ability to exploit our understanding to produce new materials with unique properties and applications. Extensive studies on the synthesis of porous materials have been carried out. However, the majority of this synthetic work has been aimed primarily at either (i) the discovery of new structures, (ii) modification or improvement of existing materials or (iii) process development to enable such materials to be produced successfully on a large scale. The effort so far on synthesis and crystallisation mechanism has yielded many positive results but also many unanswered questions, for example: (i) the detailed mechanism of nucleation (ii) the identity of growth species and (iii) whether nanocrystal growth occurs by addition or aggregation. This research involves the application of a powerful set of complementary techniques to the study of crystal growth of open-framework materials comprising: atomic force microscopy, high resolution tr" . . "2007-08-01" . "2010-03-31" . "Yes" . . "221546.3538"^^ . "EP/D053897/2" . "Announced" . . "Crystal Growth of Nanoporous Materials" . . . . . . "LAMBERT & BURTON\rChemistry is the only discipline, which, on a daily basis, produces entirely new forms of matter. In other words, at the heart of chemistry lies synthesis, most of which is carried out by organic chemists. Many types of reactions that form an important part of the synthetic organic chemist's 'toolkit' depend on catalysis by strong acids such as H2SO4, HF and AlCl3. These acid catalysts are problematic in that (i) having carried out the reaction homogenously, the acid catalyst must be separated from the product and (ii) these strong acids are environmentally unfriendly and can be extremely corrosive so that their use, especially on a large scale can require special reaction vessels and presents problems of disposal. This project is aimed at inventing an entirely new class of heterogeneous catalysts consisting of very small metal particles supported on a proton-conducting polymer membrane. By altering the voltage applied to the catalyst, we hope to produce efficient catalyst that enable both the above problems to be solved/there is no need to separate the products from the catalyst, and the catalyst itself is environmentally benign. Moreover, it is hoped that 'tunable' systems can be developed so that for a given molecule that may react i" . "LAMBERT & BURTON\rChemistry is the only discipline, which, on a daily basis, produces entirely new forms of matter. In other words, at the heart of chemistry lies synthesis, most of which is carried out by organic chemists. Many types of reactions that form an important part of the synthetic organic chemist's 'toolkit' depend on catalysis by strong acids such as H2SO4, HF and AlCl3. These acid catalysts are problematic in that (i) having carried out the reaction homogenously, the acid catalyst must be separated from the product and (ii) these strong acids are environmentally unfriendly and can be extremely corrosive so that their use, especially on a large scale can require special reaction vessels and presents problems of disposal. This project is aimed at inventing an entirely new class of heterogeneous catalysts consisting of very small metal particles supported on a proton-conducting polymer membrane. By altering the voltage applied to the catalyst, we hope to produce efficient catalyst that enable both the above problems to be solved/there is no need to separate the products from the catalyst, and the catalyst itself is environmentally benign. Moreover, it is hoped that 'tunable' systems can be developed so that for a given molecule that may react in different ways, altering the catalyst voltage can vary the type of chemical reaction that actually occurs.\r\rOTTO\rMolecular recognition at the biomembrane interface is involved in many biological processes, yet the interplay between molecular recognition and bilayer shape and function is poorly understood. We will investigate this fundamentally important topic using a model-system approach based on a number of synthetic host molecules carrying hydrophobic anchors. The anchors are designed such that they can change their shapes upon irradiating them with UV light. The interactions of the membrane-bound hosts with a variety of guests will be studied and their influence on the shape of the bilayer before and after irradiation will be investigated. The ultimate goal of this work is to develop a system in which irradiation triggers the budding off of small daughter bilayer vesicles from the original mother vesicle. \rThrough these studies we will increase our understanding of the workings of cell membranes in nature while, at the same time, learn how to organise and manipulate phopholipid-based biomaterials. Future applications may range from drug targeting to developing materials for selective cell adhesion and directed cell growth." . . "2006-04-01" . "2008-03-31" . "No" . . "103241.1564"^^ . "EP/D055512/1" . "Announced" . . "Adventurous Chemistry in Cambridge" . . . . . . "Ebbesen et al published in Nature in 1998 observations on the remarkable optical transmission properties of metal films perforated with an array of holes which have diameter much less than the radiation wavelength. This study has subsequently stimulated an enormous surge of research interest into the exploration of enhanced transmission of electromagnetic radiation through a variety of different metal structures. Indeed the whole area of surface plasmon optics, of which this enhanced transmission is but a part, has seen massive growth. It is generally perceived that the use of such structures has potential in optical chip technology, optical sensing, displays, organic light emitting devices [OLEDs], single photon sources, novel directed light sources; enhanced detector capabilities etc. The essence of almost all perceived structures is the combination of a perforated metal screen (holes or slits, which actually often support very different electromagnetic behaviour) and thin films of dielectric. Generally the structures considered thus far have been passive in so far as their dielectric parameters may not be tuned. (OLED's are clearly not passive but this is simply carrier creation). Of course if the thin film dielectric is optically non-linear and the op" . "Ebbesen et al published in Nature in 1998 observations on the remarkable optical transmission properties of metal films perforated with an array of holes which have diameter much less than the radiation wavelength. This study has subsequently stimulated an enormous surge of research interest into the exploration of enhanced transmission of electromagnetic radiation through a variety of different metal structures. Indeed the whole area of surface plasmon optics, of which this enhanced transmission is but a part, has seen massive growth. It is generally perceived that the use of such structures has potential in optical chip technology, optical sensing, displays, organic light emitting devices [OLEDs], single photon sources, novel directed light sources; enhanced detector capabilities etc. The essence of almost all perceived structures is the combination of a perforated metal screen (holes or slits, which actually often support very different electromagnetic behaviour) and thin films of dielectric. Generally the structures considered thus far have been passive in so far as their dielectric parameters may not be tuned. (OLED's are clearly not passive but this is simply carrier creation). Of course if the thin film dielectric is optically non-linear and the optical fields intense enough then there is the obvious possibility of non-linear switching, but this is likely to require high brightness sources. Here we wish to explore the potential for the combined use of liquid crystals, which may have their optical permittivities altered by low voltages (as in liquid crystal displays [LCDs]), combined with structured metal films." . . "2006-07-01" . "2009-09-30" . "Yes" . . "214925.53"^^ . "EP/D055652/1" . "Announced" . . "Optics of structured metal layers with liquid crystals" . . . . . . "Over the past decade, a range of commercial metallic foams have been developed. These are mostly produced by the introduction of gas bubbles (e.g. hydrogen) into the melt. The bubble expansion process leads to random cellular structures, and minimisation of surface energy leads to a low nodal connectivity, with typically three to four struts per joint. The resulting mechanical properties are far from optimal due to the fact that the cell walls deform by local bending. This led to a search for open-cell microstructures which have high nodal connectivities and deform by the stretching of constituent cell members, giving a much higher stiffness and strength per unit mass. These cellular solids known as lattice materials also have potential for multifunctional applications as 'structural' heat exchangers and shape changing structures.\r\rThe principal aims of this project are to: (i) expand property space by new combinations of material and topology, (ii) model and measure the mechanical properties of lattice materials (stiffness, strength, toughness and fatigue resistance) as a function of topology, constituent material and imperfection, and (iii) explore multifunctional applications including morphing and 'active' energy absorption capabilities. \r\rThis study will lead to a fundamental pre-competitive understanding of the mechanics of lattice materials, and will provide a tool-kit for designing with lattice materials." . "Over the past decade, a range of commercial metallic foams have been developed. These are mostly produced by the introduction of gas bubbles (e.g. hydrogen) into the melt. The bubble expansion process leads to random cellular structures, and minimisation of surface energy leads to a low nodal connectivity, with typically three to four struts per joint. The resulting mechanical properties are far from optimal due to the fact that the cell walls deform by local bending. This led to a search for open-cell microstructures which have high nodal connectivities and deform by the stretching of constituent cell members, giving a much higher stiffness and strength per unit mass. These cellular solids known as lattice materials also have potential for multifunctional applications as 'structural' heat exchangers and shape changing structures.\r\rThe principal aims of this project are to: (i) expand property space by new combinations of material and topology, (ii) model and measure the mechanical properties of lattice materials (stiffness, strength, toughness and fatigue resistance) as a function of topology, constituent material and imperfection, and (iii) explore multifunctional applications including morphing and 'active' energy absorption capabilities. \r\rThis s" . . "2006-06-05" . "2009-12-04" . "Yes" . . "339575.78"^^ . "EP/D055806/1" . "Announced" . . "Lattice Materials - failure mechanics and assessment of multifunctional applications" . . . . . . "The project involves collaborative, multidisciplinary work combining materials research, device design, and medically-oriented testing to create ultrasonic arrays capable of ultrahigh resolution biomedical imaging in real time. \r\rReal-time ultrasonic imaging is a safe, inexpensive and convenient technique which accounts for approximately 20% of all hospital imaging examinations. However, spatial resolution is ultimately limited by maximum frequency and existing ultrahigh resolution systems are based on mechanically-scanned single-element transducers. Such systems demonstrate the need for increased resolution but at the same time limit progress because they cannot be used in real time. For this, ultrasonic arrays are needed which can operate at frequencies higher than the present maximum of ~30 MHz. However, it has so far been impossible to produce such arrays.\r\rPiezocomposite materials, comprising ceramic pillars in a polymer matrix, are now state-of-the-art in commercial ultrasonic imaging systems, with higher electromechanical coupling, better acoustic impedance matching to biological tissue, and better electrical properties than piezoceramics alone, leading in turn to wider intrinsic bandwidth and higher sensitivity. In addition, reduced lateral coupling means that multi-element arrays can be defined from monolithic piezocomposite plates. However, difficulties manufacturing material with micron-scale dimensions has blocked adoption in high frequency ultrasonic transducers and arrays. \r\rIn the research programme being proposed, ultrasonic arrays will be created to operate for the first time at frequencies potentially as high as 100 MHz, suitable for ultrahigh resolution imaging in real time. The key to this advance will be the ultrafine scale piezocomposites we will produce with optimised net shape ceramic processing technology, in combination with state-of-the-art composite design. This will be a major step forward in enabling real time biomedical ultrasonic imaging at presently impossible frequencies, ultimately allowing new understanding and better diagnosis of a range of medical conditions in areas such as dermatology, ophthalmology, small parts cancers, dentistry, and the cardiovascular system, sometimes in intralumenal configurations." . "The project involves collaborative, multidisciplinary work combining materials research, device design, and medically-oriented testing to create ultrasonic arrays capable of ultrahigh resolution biomedical imaging in real time. \r\rReal-time ultrasonic imaging is a safe, inexpensive and convenient technique which accounts for approximately 20% of all hospital imaging examinations. However, spatial resolution is ultimately limited by maximum frequency and existing ultrahigh resolution systems are based on mechanically-scanned single-element transducers. Such systems demonstrate the need for increased resolution but at the same time limit progress because they cannot be used in real time. For this, ultrasonic arrays are needed which can operate at frequencies higher than the present maximum of ~30 MHz. However, it has so far been impossible to produce such arrays.\r\rPiezocomposite materials, comprising ceramic pillars in a polymer matrix, are now state-of-the-art in commercial ultrasonic imaging systems, with higher electromechanical coupling, better acoustic impedance matching to biological tissue, and better electrical properties than piezoceramics alone, leading in turn to wider intrinsic bandwidth and higher sensitivity. In addition, reduced lateral coupli" . . "2006-11-01" . "2010-04-30" . "Yes" . . "336060.9614"^^ . "EP/D055881/1" . "Announced" . . "Ultrasonic arrays for ultrahigh resolution real time biomedical imaging" . . . . . . "Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is our main way of identifying new chemical substances, and is an essential tool for modern chemistry. Provision of new NMR equipment will support research at the forefront of modern chemistry in diverse areas such as: development of NMR techniques (Morris); synthetic organic chemistry (Thomas, Clayden, Sutherland, Dixon, Procter); synthetic inorganic chemistry (Winpenny, Collison, Heath, McInnes, Faulkner, Coe); organic materials (Turner, Yeates, Skabara); mesoporous materials (Anderson). Goals include making the smallest possible magnets - individual molecules in which many electrons line up in parallel - for storage and processing of information; new NMR methods for analysing mixtures, for detecting brain damage in stroke patients, and for studying biomolecules; new synthetic organic chemistry designed to give us, amongst many other things, improved antibiotics and other drugs; studies of the molecular origin of life, and of the ways in which enzymes speed chemical reactions; designing and making new porous inorganic materials for fuel cells and environmentally-friendly catalysts; making molecules whose properties are changed by light, to make more efficient fuel cells; and measuring NMR spectra in solids to learn abou" . "Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is our main way of identifying new chemical substances, and is an essential tool for modern chemistry. Provision of new NMR equipment will support research at the forefront of modern chemistry in diverse areas such as: development of NMR techniques (Morris); synthetic organic chemistry (Thomas, Clayden, Sutherland, Dixon, Procter); synthetic inorganic chemistry (Winpenny, Collison, Heath, McInnes, Faulkner, Coe); organic materials (Turner, Yeates, Skabara); mesoporous materials (Anderson). Goals include making the smallest possible magnets - individual molecules in which many electrons line up in parallel - for storage and processing of information; new NMR methods for analysing mixtures, for detecting brain damage in stroke patients, and for studying biomolecules; new synthetic organic chemistry designed to give us, amongst many other things, improved antibiotics and other drugs; studies of the molecular origin of life, and of the ways in which enzymes speed chemical reactions; designing and making new porous inorganic materials for fuel cells and environmentally-friendly catalysts; making molecules whose properties are changed by light, to make more efficient fuel cells; and measuring NMR spectra in solids to learn about the active sites in solid catalysts, gas sensors, and systems for cleaning waste water and nuclear effluent." . . "2006-09-01" . "No" . . "975906.9492"^^ . "EP/D05592X/1" . "Announced" . . "NMR Facilities for the School of Chemistry of the University of Manchester" . . . . . . "Funds are sought to employ a Research Assistant and a Research Student to research the modelling of the coupling between manufacturing porosity/damage, strain-induced damage, the degradation of thermal properties and stress-strain response of woven Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs). The project is a continuation of research done on GR/K81256, and on subsequent projects.\rTwo CMC materials have been selected. The first is a simple plain 0/90 weave DRL-XT C/SiC CMC which has previously been studied extensively. The material will be researched using classical Finite Element unit cell modelling techniques to establish methods for modelling the coupling of manufacturing porosity and strain-induced damage with the degradation of thermal conductivity. The modelling will take place at the level of the fibre/tow/matrices materials, with the driver being to predict bulk composite properties from the physical and mechanicl properties of the constituent phases of the composite i.e. fibres, tows of fibres, interfaces between different materials and the matrices which hold the composite together.\rThe next part of the research will be to repeat this modelling exercise on the DRL-XT C/SiC with the more computationally economic and conceptually simple Binary Modelling technique; with a view to establishing its viability and accuracy.\rHaving established this, the Binary Modelling technique used on the first material, will be used to study the second one. That is a more complex HITCO C/C 8-Satin weave which is extensively used in industrial engineering components. The coupling between manufacturing porosity, strain-induced damage and the degradation of the thermal properties of the 8-Satin CMC will be researched. For both materials, success of the computer modelling will be judged against experimental stress-strain-thermal conductivity data collected under grant GR/K81256.\rThe research will establish mehodologies for characterisation of manufacturing porosity, for eliciting physical and mechanical properties of fibres, tows, interfaces and matrices, using semi-inverse techniques and bulk composite experimental data.\rLastly, the Binary Modelling technique will be used to predict the stress-strain-damage-thermal transport response of a simple engineering component subjected to combined thermal and mechanical loading; and to assess the viability of the approach. Recommendations will be made on viability and possible constraints to use for thermo-mechanical modelling e.g. complex woven composites." . "Funds are sought to employ a Research Assistant and a Research Student to research the modelling of the coupling between manufacturing porosity/damage, strain-induced damage, the degradation of thermal properties and stress-strain response of woven Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs). The project is a continuation of research done on GR/K81256, and on subsequent projects.\rTwo CMC materials have been selected. The first is a simple plain 0/90 weave DRL-XT C/SiC CMC which has previously been studied extensively. The material will be researched using classical Finite Element unit cell modelling techniques to establish methods for modelling the coupling of manufacturing porosity and strain-induced damage with the degradation of thermal conductivity. The modelling will take place at the level of the fibre/tow/matrices materials, with the driver being to predict bulk composite properties from the physical and mechanicl properties of the constituent phases of the composite i.e. fibres, tows of fibres, interfaces between different materials and the matrices which hold the composite together.\rThe next part of the research will be to repeat this modelling exercise on the DRL-XT C/SiC with the more computationally economic and conceptually simple Binary Modelling tech" . . "2007-01-01" . "2010-04-30" . "Yes" . . "288574.8082"^^ . "EP/D056276/1" . "Announced" . . "Coupling between Strain Induced Damage, the Degradation of Thermal Properties and Stress-Strain Response of Ceramic Matrix Composites" . . . . . . "A new class of magnetostrictive nanocomposite material based on cobalt ferrite in a metal binder has recently been identified by our collaborators at Iowa State University (ISU) which presents an alternative or strong competitor to so-called giant magnetostrictive material, Terfenol D, or piezoelectric materials for advanced sensor and actuator applications. As part of a recently awarded NSF grant,ISU group plan to minimise the magnetomechanical hysteresis of the new materials by refining composition and processing to alter their nanostructure and to make the enhanced materials available to the Cardiff group. Dynamic domain studies and measurements of the a.c. stress/magnetostrictive properties of the materials will be carried out in Cardiff to help understand the influence of composition and processing needed to identify ways of optimising the magnetomechanical properties. A finite element method (FEM) electromagnetics programme will be developed to incorporate a magnetoelastic model in order to predict dynamic performance of sensors or actuators based on the new materials. Miniature force/ torque sensors and actuators will be designed, produced and evaluated before comparing with best state of art alternatives. In parallel with the assessment of the materials produced by ISU for the project, alternative production of the material in thick film form will be attempted for possible future microsensor and actuator applications," . "A new class of magnetostrictive nanocomposite material based on cobalt ferrite in a metal binder has recently been identified by our collaborators at Iowa State University (ISU) which presents an alternative or strong competitor to so-called giant magnetostrictive material, Terfenol D, or piezoelectric materials for advanced sensor and actuator applications. As part of a recently awarded NSF grant,ISU group plan to minimise the magnetomechanical hysteresis of the new materials by refining composition and processing to alter their nanostructure and to make the enhanced materials available to the Cardiff group. Dynamic domain studies and measurements of the a.c. stress/magnetostrictive properties of the materials will be carried out in Cardiff to help understand the influence of composition and processing needed to identify ways of optimising the magnetomechanical properties. A finite element method (FEM) electromagnetics programme will be developed to incorporate a magnetoelastic model in order to predict dynamic performance of sensors or actuators based on the new materials. Miniature force/ torque sensors and actuators will be designed, produced and evaluated before comparing with best state of art alternatives. In parallel with the assessment of the" . . "2006-04-01" . "2009-09-30" . "Yes" . . "322086.89"^^ . "EP/D057094/1" . "Announced" . . "Investigation of High Magnetostriction Materials for Advance Sensors and Actuators" . . . . . . "We will investigate the feasibility of using a multi-photon effect to achieve 200 nm resolution for two electrochemical laser scanning techniques, Scanning Photo-induced Impedance Microscopy (SPIM) and Light-Addressable Potentiometric Sensors (LAPS). Both techniques are based on photocurrent measurements at electrolyte/insulator/semiconductor field-effect structures. The non-linear absorption of light in two-photon experiments will be used to confine the generation of charge carriers to the semiconductor/insulator interface. This will facilitate the use of standard silicon wafers for high resolution LAPS and SPIM eliminating the problems encountered using alternative semiconductor substrates such as GaAs, amorphous silicon and Silicon on Sapphire (SOS) and also reduce the cost of the substrate material. A resolution of 200 nm would mean an improvement by a factor of 80 compared to previous results. This is a very ambitious goal. Hence we are proposing to carry out the current feasibility study before venturing into new applications for the high-resolution imaging techniques.\r\rSPIM is capable of measuring the local electrical impedance of materials and biological samples. This has potential applications in the characterisation of polymeric and ceramic materials with complicated three-dimensional architectures and impedance based processes in biological cells such as the opening and closing of ion channels. LAPS can be used to measure charge based events such as changes in local electrical potentials and ionic concentrations in materials and biological cells. Subcellular resolution would allow imaging of metabolic events and ion channel activity in the attachment area of a single cell and detailed investigation of the interaction of cells with materials surfaces. Both techniques also have potential application in array technology as they allow measurement of local impedance, potential or concentration changes without the use of labels.\r\rIn addition we will endeavour to integrate these two electrochemical characterisation techniques with two-photon fluorescence microscopy. All three techniques integrated in the instrument require a tightly focused laser beam to excite either a photocurrent or fluorescence. To excite the electrical signal and to produce the optical image the laser beam will be focused through the same lenses, i.e. electrical and optical signal will truly originate from the same microenvironment. This will create a new tool for the characterisation and screening of new materials and biological" . "We will investigate the feasibility of using a multi-photon effect to achieve 200 nm resolution for two electrochemical laser scanning techniques, Scanning Photo-induced Impedance Microscopy (SPIM) and Light-Addressable Potentiometric Sensors (LAPS). Both techniques are based on photocurrent measurements at electrolyte/insulator/semiconductor field-effect structures. The non-linear absorption of light in two-photon experiments will be used to confine the generation of charge carriers to the semiconductor/insulator interface. This will facilitate the use of standard silicon wafers for high resolution LAPS and SPIM eliminating the problems encountered using alternative semiconductor substrates such as GaAs, amorphous silicon and Silicon on Sapphire (SOS) and also reduce the cost of the substrate material. A resolution of 200 nm would mean an improvement by a factor of 80 compared to previous results. This is a very ambitious goal. Hence we are proposing to carry out the current feasibility study before venturing into new applications for the high-resolution imaging techniques.\r\rSPIM is capable of measuring the local electrical impedance of materials and biological samples. This has potential applications in the characterisation of polymeric and ceramic mate" . . . "2006-04-11" . "2007-04-10" . "No" . . "62397.38"^^ . "EP/D057574/1" . "Announced" . . "Two-photon impedance, potential and fluorescence imaging - a feasibility study" . . . . . . "This proposal seeks funding to establish a proof-of-principle project that aims to overcome the current difficulties in growing well-defined arrays of InAs/InP quantum dots (QDs). In contrast to the well-studied InAs/GaAs QD system, InAs/InP growth by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is complicated by the competing effects of As-P exchange, strain and surface anisotropy, resulting in the formation and undesirable coexistence of different types of 3D structure including quantum wires, quantum dashes and QDs. In this proposal we will separate these effects by comparing InAs growth on singular and vicinal InP substrates and through the use of (In)GaAs interlayers of different composition. The project builds on our extensive expertise in controlling the growth of III-V semiconductor films and nanostructures, and in particular the application of scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) as an atomic scale probe of epitaxial growth mechanisms." . . "2005-12-02" . "2006-12-01" . "No" . . "62960.49"^^ . "EP/D058120/1" . "Announced" . . "Atomic Scale Control of InAs/InP Quantum Dot Formation" . . . . . . "We wish to investigate a technique in the scanning electron microscope, called electron channelling contrast imaging, which can reveal defects in thin films of semiconducting materials. We are particularly interested in nitride semiconducting thin films, for example gallium nitride, which are used in the manufacture of UV/blue laser diodes, UV/visible LEDs and white LEDs. Nitride laser diodes are presently dictating the development of next generation DVDs and developments in printing and colour copying. Present applications of nitride LEDs extend from street lighting, to back lighting in mobile phones, to traffic lights. Future use of nitride-based LEDs promises to revolutionise lighting in the home and office. Nitrides are also being developed for the production of high frequency, high power electronic devices.\r Scanning electron microscopes are generally used to produce images of the topography of the sample under study, however if the sample is tilted so that electrons channel down the crystal planes of the sample, then images of the sample which result from the channelled electrons will reveal any defects which distort the crystal planes. Such images are known as electron channelling contrast images and can be produced from semiconductor thin films without complicated sample preparation. In nitrides, defects known as threading edge and threading screw dislocations can affect the performance of devices so when producing devices it is important to know the type and density of dislocations in your films. We wish to investigate whether we can use electron contrast imaging to reveal and identify all the threading and edge dislocations present in our nitride thin films." . "We wish to investigate a technique in the scanning electron microscope, called electron channelling contrast imaging, which can reveal defects in thin films of semiconducting materials. We are particularly interested in nitride semiconducting thin films, for example gallium nitride, which are used in the manufacture of UV/blue laser diodes, UV/visible LEDs and white LEDs. Nitride laser diodes are presently dictating the development of next generation DVDs and developments in printing and colour copying. Present applications of nitride LEDs extend from street lighting, to back lighting in mobile phones, to traffic lights. Future use of nitride-based LEDs promises to revolutionise lighting in the home and office. Nitrides are also being developed for the production of high frequency, high power electronic devices.\r Scanning electron microscopes are generally used to produce images of the topography of the sample under study, however if the sample is tilted so that electrons channel down the crystal planes of the sample, then images of the sample which result from the channelled electrons will reveal any defects which distort the crystal planes. Such images are known as electron channelling contrast images and can be produced from semiconductor thin" . . "2005-12-01" . "2006-12-31" . "No" . . "62032.374"^^ . "EP/D058686/1" . "Announced" . . "Electron channelling contrast imaging in the scanning electron microscope for the characterisation of dislocations in nitride thin films" . . . . . . "The project involves collaborative, multidisciplinary work combining materials research, device design, and medically-oriented testing to create ultrasonic arrays capable of ultrahigh resolution biomedical imaging in real time. \r\rReal-time ultrasonic imaging is a safe, inexpensive and convenient technique which accounts for approximately 20% of all hospital imaging examinations. However, spatial resolution is ultimately limited by maximum frequency and existing ultrahigh resolution systems are based on mechanically-scanned single-element transducers. Such systems demonstrate the need for increased resolution but at the same time limit progress because they cannot be used in real time. For this, ultrasonic arrays are needed which can operate at frequencies higher than the present maximum of ~30 MHz. However, it has so far been impossible to produce such arrays.\r\rPiezocomposite materials, comprising ceramic pillars in a polymer matrix, are now state-of-the-art in commercial ultrasonic imaging systems, with higher electromechanical coupling, better acoustic impedance matching to biological tissue, and better electrical properties than piezoceramics alone, leading in turn to wider intrinsic bandwidth and higher sensitivity. In addition, reduced lateral coupling means that multi-element arrays can be defined from monolithic piezocomposite plates. However, difficulties manufacturing material with micron-scale dimensions has blocked adoption in high frequency ultrasonic transducers and arrays. \r\rIn the research programme being proposed, ultrasonic arrays will be created to operate for the first time at frequencies potentially as high as 100 MHz, suitable for ultrahigh resolution imaging in real time. The key to this advance will be the ultrafine scale piezocomposites we will produce with optimised net shape ceramic processing technology, in combination with state-of-the-art composite design. This will be a major step forward in enabling real time biomedical ultrasonic imaging at presently impossible frequencies, ultimately allowing new understanding and better diagnosis of a range of medical conditions in areas such as dermatology, ophthalmology, small parts cancers, dentistry, and the cardiovascular system, sometimes in intralumenal configurations." . "The project involves collaborative, multidisciplinary work combining materials research, device design, and medically-oriented testing to create ultrasonic arrays capable of ultrahigh resolution biomedical imaging in real time. \r\rReal-time ultrasonic imaging is a safe, inexpensive and convenient technique which accounts for approximately 20% of all hospital imaging examinations. However, spatial resolution is ultimately limited by maximum frequency and existing ultrahigh resolution systems are based on mechanically-scanned single-element transducers. Such systems demonstrate the need for increased resolution but at the same time limit progress because they cannot be used in real time. For this, ultrasonic arrays are needed which can operate at frequencies higher than the present maximum of ~30 MHz. However, it has so far been impossible to produce such arrays.\r\rPiezocomposite materials, comprising ceramic pillars in a polymer matrix, are now state-of-the-art in commercial ultrasonic imaging systems, with higher electromechanical coupling, better acoustic impedance matching to biological tissue, and better electrical properties than piezoceramics alone, leading in turn to wider intrinsic bandwidth and higher sensitivity. In addition, reduced lateral coupli" . . "2006-05-15" . "2007-09-23" . "No" . . "298267.5658"^^ . "EP/D058961/1" . "Announced" . . "Ultrasonic arrays for ultrahigh resolution real time biomedical imaging" . . . . . . "The project involves collaborative, multidisciplinary work combining materials research, device design, and medically-oriented testing to create ultrasonic arrays capable of ultrahigh resolution biomedical imaging in real time. \r\rReal-time ultrasonic imaging is a safe, inexpensive and convenient technique which accounts for approximately 20% of all hospital imaging examinations. However, spatial resolution is ultimately limited by maximum frequency and existing ultrahigh resolution systems are based on mechanically-scanned single-element transducers. Such systems demonstrate the need for increased resolution but at the same time limit progress because they cannot be used in real time. For this, ultrasonic arrays are needed which can operate at frequencies higher than the present maximum of ~30 MHz. However, it has so far been impossible to produce such arrays.\r\rPiezocomposite materials, comprising ceramic pillars in a polymer matrix, are now state-of-the-art in commercial ultrasonic imaging systems, with higher electromechanical coupling, better acoustic impedance matching to biological tissue, and better electrical properties than piezoceramics alone, leading in turn to wider intrinsic bandwidth and higher sensitivity. In addition, reduced lateral coupling means that multi-element arrays can be defined from monolithic piezocomposite plates. However, difficulties manufacturing material with micron-scale dimensions has blocked adoption in high frequency ultrasonic transducers and arrays. \r\rIn the research programme being proposed, ultrasonic arrays will be created to operate for the first time at frequencies potentially as high as 100 MHz, suitable for ultrahigh resolution imaging in real time. The key to this advance will be the ultrafine scale piezocomposites we will produce with optimised net shape ceramic processing technology, in combination with state-of-the-art composite design. This will be a major step forward in enabling real time biomedical ultrasonic imaging at presently impossible frequencies, ultimately allowing new understanding and better diagnosis of a range of medical conditions in areas such as dermatology, ophthalmology, small parts cancers, dentistry, and the cardiovascular system, sometimes in intralumenal configurations." . "The project involves collaborative, multidisciplinary work combining materials research, device design, and medically-oriented testing to create ultrasonic arrays capable of ultrahigh resolution biomedical imaging in real time. \r\rReal-time ultrasonic imaging is a safe, inexpensive and convenient technique which accounts for approximately 20% of all hospital imaging examinations. However, spatial resolution is ultimately limited by maximum frequency and existing ultrahigh resolution systems are based on mechanically-scanned single-element transducers. Such systems demonstrate the need for increased resolution but at the same time limit progress because they cannot be used in real time. For this, ultrasonic arrays are needed which can operate at frequencies higher than the present maximum of ~30 MHz. However, it has so far been impossible to produce such arrays.\r\rPiezocomposite materials, comprising ceramic pillars in a polymer matrix, are now state-of-the-art in commercial ultrasonic imaging systems, with higher electromechanical coupling, better acoustic impedance matching to biological tissue, and better electrical properties than piezoceramics alone, leading in turn to wider intrinsic bandwidth and higher sensitivity. In addition, reduced lateral coupli" . . "2007-11-01" . "2009-12-31" . "Yes" . . "194083.8554"^^ . "EP/D058961/2" . "Announced" . . "Ultrasonic arrays for ultrahigh resolution real time biomedical imaging" . . . . . . "The project involves collaborative, multidisciplinary work combining materials research, device design, and medically-oriented testing to create ultrasonic arrays capable of ultrahigh resolution biomedical imaging in real time. \r\rReal-time ultrasonic imaging is a safe, inexpensive and convenient technique which accounts for approximately 20% of all hospital imaging examinations. However, spatial resolution is ultimately limited by maximum frequency and existing ultrahigh resolution systems are based on mechanically-scanned single-element transducers. Such systems demonstrate the need for increased resolution but at the same time limit progress because they cannot be used in real time. For this, ultrasonic arrays are needed which can operate at frequencies higher than the present maximum of ~30 MHz. However, it has so far been impossible to produce such arrays.\r\rPiezocomposite materials, comprising ceramic pillars in a polymer matrix, are now state-of-the-art in commercial ultrasonic imaging systems, with higher electromechanical coupling, better acoustic impedance matching to biological tissue, and better electrical properties than piezoceramics alone, leading in turn to wider intrinsic bandwidth and higher sensitivity. In addition, reduced lateral coupli" . "The project involves collaborative, multidisciplinary work combining materials research, device design, and medically-oriented testing to create ultrasonic arrays capable of ultrahigh resolution biomedical imaging in real time. \r\rReal-time ultrasonic imaging is a safe, inexpensive and convenient technique which accounts for approximately 20% of all hospital imaging examinations. However, spatial resolution is ultimately limited by maximum frequency and existing ultrahigh resolution systems are based on mechanically-scanned single-element transducers. Such systems demonstrate the need for increased resolution but at the same time limit progress because they cannot be used in real time. For this, ultrasonic arrays are needed which can operate at frequencies higher than the present maximum of ~30 MHz. However, it has so far been impossible to produce such arrays.\r\rPiezocomposite materials, comprising ceramic pillars in a polymer matrix, are now state-of-the-art in commercial ultrasonic imaging systems, with higher electromechanical coupling, better acoustic impedance matching to biological tissue, and better electrical properties than piezoceramics alone, leading in turn to wider intrinsic bandwidth and higher sensitivity. In addition, reduced lateral coupling means that multi-element arrays can be defined from monolithic piezocomposite plates. However, difficulties manufacturing material with micron-scale dimensions has blocked adoption in high frequency ultrasonic transducers and arrays. \r\rIn the research programme being proposed, ultrasonic arrays will be created to operate for the first time at frequencies potentially as high as 100 MHz, suitable for ultrahigh resolution imaging in real time. The key to this advance will be the ultrafine scale piezocomposites we will produce with optimised net shape ceramic processing technology, in combination with state-of-the-art composite design. This will be a major step forward in enabling real time biomedical ultrasonic imaging at presently impossible frequencies, ultimately allowing new understanding and better diagnosis of a range of medical conditions in areas such as dermatology, ophthalmology, small parts cancers, dentistry, and the cardiovascular system, sometimes in intralumenal configurations." . . "2008-11-01" . "2010-04-30" . "Yes" . . "93414.4438"^^ . "EP/D059739/1" . "Announced" . . "Ultrasonic arrays for ultrahigh resolution real time biomedical imaging" . . . . . . "We propose to develop a novel type of solar cell that will generate electricity from sunlight with efficiency above 30%. This is at least twice the efficiency of the cells currently used to power roadside signs and comparable with the highest efficiency tandem cells which power satellites in space. However, our cell offers many advantages over the tandem, in particular the absence of a tunnel-junction. This means they can cope with the large variations in the intensity and spectral content of sunlight on buildings and in the light-concentrating systems which reduce the cost of solar electricity. Our cell is particularly suited to an exciting new application - smart windows. These are double-glazed facades containing arrays of small plastic lenses which follow the sun's movement and focus sunlight onto small, unobtrusive solar cells. Direct sunlight is removed and the air-conditioning load reduced, while the smart windows provide combined heat and power (CHP) for the building. Even in London the electricity generated would power the office behind a south facing wall. The smart windows also allow glare-free diffuse sunlight into the room, which is ideal lighting for a computer screen. The cells will also be ideal for integration into hybrid CHP systems that" . "We propose to develop a novel type of solar cell that will generate electricity from sunlight with efficiency above 30%. This is at least twice the efficiency of the cells currently used to power roadside signs and comparable with the highest efficiency tandem cells which power satellites in space. However, our cell offers many advantages over the tandem, in particular the absence of a tunnel-junction. This means they can cope with the large variations in the intensity and spectral content of sunlight on buildings and in the light-concentrating systems which reduce the cost of solar electricity. Our cell is particularly suited to an exciting new application - smart windows. These are double-glazed facades containing arrays of small plastic lenses which follow the sun's movement and focus sunlight onto small, unobtrusive solar cells. Direct sunlight is removed and the air-conditioning load reduced, while the smart windows provide combined heat and power (CHP) for the building. Even in London the electricity generated would power the office behind a south facing wall. The smart windows also allow glare-free diffuse sunlight into the room, which is ideal lighting for a computer screen. The cells will also be ideal for integration into hybrid CHP systems that provide electricity and hot water from concentrated sunlight with a natural gas backup. The new device incorporates the novel, nanostructured solar cell that the Imperial group have developed in collaboration with the EPSRC National Centre for III-V Technologies. The Centre for Sustainable Technologies will characterise the cell performance on prototype concentrators of the new UK company SolarStructure, which has recently been formed to manufacture smart windows." . . "2006-03-13" . "2010-03-12" . "Yes" . . "528487.98"^^ . "EP/D059860/1" . "Announced" . . "Development of a Novel Tunnel-junction-free Concentrator Cell and its Evaluation for a Smart Windows Application" . . . . . . "We propose to develop a novel type of solar cell that will generate electricity from sunlight with efficiency above 30%. This is at least twice the efficiency of the cells currently used to power roadside signs and comparable with the highest efficiency tandem cells which power satellites in space. However, our cell offers many advantages over the tandem, in particular the absence of a tunnel-junction. This means they can cope with the large variations in the intensity and spectral content of sunlight on buildings and in the light-concentrating systems which reduce the cost of solar electricity. Our cell is particularly suited to an exciting new application - smart windows. These are double-glazed facades containing arrays of small plastic lenses which follow the sun's movement and focus sunlight onto small, unobtrusive solar cells. Direct sunlight is removed and the air-conditioning load reduced, while the smart windows provide combined heat and power (CHP) for the building. Even in London the electricity generated would power the office behind a south facing wall. The smart windows also allow glare-free diffuse sunlight into the room, which is ideal lighting for a computer screen. The cells will also be ideal for integration into hybrid CHP systems that provide electricity and hot water from concentrated sunlight with a natural gas backup. The new device incorporates the novel, nanostructured solar cell that the Imperial group have developed in collaboration with the EPSRC National Centre for III-V Technologies. The Centre for Sustainable Technologies will characterise the cell performance on prototype concentrators of the new UK company SolarStructure, which has recently been formed to manufacture smart windows." . "We propose to develop a novel type of solar cell that will generate electricity from sunlight with efficiency above 30%. This is at least twice the efficiency of the cells currently used to power roadside signs and comparable with the highest efficiency tandem cells which power satellites in space. However, our cell offers many advantages over the tandem, in particular the absence of a tunnel-junction. This means they can cope with the large variations in the intensity and spectral content of sunlight on buildings and in the light-concentrating systems which reduce the cost of solar electricity. Our cell is particularly suited to an exciting new application - smart windows. These are double-glazed facades containing arrays of small plastic lenses which follow the sun's movement and focus sunlight onto small, unobtrusive solar cells. Direct sunlight is removed and the air-conditioning load reduced, while the smart windows provide combined heat and power (CHP) for the building. Even in London the electricity generated would power the office behind a south facing wall. The smart windows also allow glare-free diffuse sunlight into the room, which is ideal lighting for a computer screen. The cells will also be ideal for integration into hybrid CHP systems that" . . "2006-06-01" . "2006-09-30" . "No" . . "165100.02"^^ . "EP/D060214/1" . "Announced" . . "Development of a Novel Tunnel-junction-free Concentrator Cell and its Evaluation for a Smart Windows Application" . . . . . . "We propose to develop a novel type of solar cell that will generate electricity from sunlight with efficiency above 30%. This is at least twice the efficiency of the cells currently used to power roadside signs and comparable with the highest efficiency tandem cells which power satellites in space. However, our cell offers many advantages over the tandem, in particular the absence of a tunnel-junction. This means they can cope with the large variations in the intensity and spectral content of sunlight on buildings and in the light-concentrating systems which reduce the cost of solar electricity. Our cell is particularly suited to an exciting new application - smart windows. These are double-glazed facades containing arrays of small plastic lenses which follow the sun's movement and focus sunlight onto small, unobtrusive solar cells. Direct sunlight is removed and the air-conditioning load reduced, while the smart windows provide combined heat and power (CHP) for the building. Even in London the electricity generated would power the office behind a south facing wall. The smart windows also allow glare-free diffuse sunlight into the room, which is ideal lighting for a computer screen. The cells will also be ideal for integration into hybrid CHP systems that provide electricity and hot water from concentrated sunlight with a natural gas backup. The new device incorporates the novel, nanostructured solar cell that the Imperial group have developed in collaboration with the EPSRC National Centre for III-V Technologies. The Centre for Sustainable Technologies will characterise the cell performance on prototype concentrators of the new UK company SolarStructure, which has recently been formed to manufacture smart windows." . "We propose to develop a novel type of solar cell that will generate electricity from sunlight with efficiency above 30%. This is at least twice the efficiency of the cells currently used to power roadside signs and comparable with the highest efficiency tandem cells which power satellites in space. However, our cell offers many advantages over the tandem, in particular the absence of a tunnel-junction. This means they can cope with the large variations in the intensity and spectral content of sunlight on buildings and in the light-concentrating systems which reduce the cost of solar electricity. Our cell is particularly suited to an exciting new application - smart windows. These are double-glazed facades containing arrays of small plastic lenses which follow the sun's movement and focus sunlight onto small, unobtrusive solar cells. Direct sunlight is removed and the air-conditioning load reduced, while the smart windows provide combined heat and power (CHP) for the building. Even in London the electricity generated would power the office behind a south facing wall. The smart windows also allow glare-free diffuse sunlight into the room, which is ideal lighting for a computer screen. The cells will also be ideal for integration into hybrid CHP systems that" . . "2006-10-01" . "2008-11-30" . "No" . . "150342.5996"^^ . "EP/D060214/2" . "Announced" . . "Development of a Novel Tunnel-junction-free Concentrator Cell and its Evaluation for a Smart Windows Application" . . . . . . "We propose to develop a novel type of solar cell that will generate electricity from sunlight with efficiency above 30%. This is at least twice the efficiency of the cells currently used to power roadside signs and comparable with the highest efficiency tandem cells which power satellites in space. However, our cell offers many advantages over the tandem, in particular the absence of a tunnel-junction. This means they can cope with the large variations in the intensity and spectral content of sunlight on buildings and in the light-concentrating systems which reduce the cost of solar electricity. Our cell is particularly suited to an exciting new application - smart windows. These are double-glazed facades containing arrays of small plastic lenses which follow the sun's movement and focus sunlight onto small, unobtrusive solar cells. Direct sunlight is removed and the air-conditioning load reduced, while the smart windows provide combined heat and power (CHP) for the building. Even in London the electricity generated would power the office behind a south facing wall. The smart windows also allow glare-free diffuse sunlight into the room, which is ideal lighting for a computer screen. The cells will also be ideal for integration into hybrid CHP systems that provide electricity and hot water from concentrated sunlight with a natural gas backup. The new device incorporates the novel, nanostructured solar cell that the Imperial group have developed in collaboration with the EPSRC National Centre for III-V Technologies. The Centre for Sustainable Technologies will characterise the cell performance on prototype concentrators of the new UK company SolarStructure, which has recently been formed to manufacture smart windows." . "We propose to develop a novel type of solar cell that will generate electricity from sunlight with efficiency above 30%. This is at least twice the efficiency of the cells currently used to power roadside signs and comparable with the highest efficiency tandem cells which power satellites in space. However, our cell offers many advantages over the tandem, in particular the absence of a tunnel-junction. This means they can cope with the large variations in the intensity and spectral content of sunlight on buildings and in the light-concentrating systems which reduce the cost of solar electricity. Our cell is particularly suited to an exciting new application - smart windows. These are double-glazed facades containing arrays of small plastic lenses which follow the sun's movement and focus sunlight onto small, unobtrusive solar cells. Direct sunlight is removed and the air-conditioning load reduced, while the smart windows provide combined heat and power (CHP) for the building. Even in London the electricity generated would power the office behind a south facing wall. The smart windows also allow glare-free diffuse sunlight into the room, which is ideal lighting for a computer screen. The cells will also be ideal for integration into hybrid CHP systems that" . . "2009-05-01" . "2010-07-31" . "Yes" . . "71289.1586"^^ . "EP/D060214/3" . "Announced" . . "Development of a Novel Tunnel-junction-free Concentrator Cell and its Evaluation for a Smart Windows Application" . . . . . . "The passage of light pulses through an optical material shows many interesting and useful effects, especially when the pulse is very bright and very short in duration. Normally, the pulse will spread out in space and time as a result of diffraction and dispersion. However when the pulse is very bright, nonlinear effects can exactly cancel this spreading, and the light pulse propagates without any change in shape: a 'soliton' or 'light bullet'. It is easier to form stable solitons when the light is confined to a small cavity, and 'cavity solitons' are now attracting a lot of interest. They could be useful as a way of storing and manipulating data for optical storage or optical computing.\r\rAnother type of effect (coherent propagation) is seen when the pulse is very short in duration compared to the material's lifetime (the timescale on which its properties can change). One of the most striking examples is self-induced transparency (SIT), in which a material which normally absorbs light becomes transparent to a bright, short-duration light pulse. This allows another class of light bullet or 'SIT soliton'. During the past few years, interesting properties of cavity-SIT solitons have been predicted using approximate theories, with possible applications in the" . "The passage of light pulses through an optical material shows many interesting and useful effects, especially when the pulse is very bright and very short in duration. Normally, the pulse will spread out in space and time as a result of diffraction and dispersion. However when the pulse is very bright, nonlinear effects can exactly cancel this spreading, and the light pulse propagates without any change in shape: a 'soliton' or 'light bullet'. It is easier to form stable solitons when the light is confined to a small cavity, and 'cavity solitons' are now attracting a lot of interest. They could be useful as a way of storing and manipulating data for optical storage or optical computing.\r\rAnother type of effect (coherent propagation) is seen when the pulse is very short in duration compared to the material's lifetime (the timescale on which its properties can change). One of the most striking examples is self-induced transparency (SIT), in which a material which normally absorbs light becomes transparent to a bright, short-duration light pulse. This allows another class of light bullet or 'SIT soliton'. During the past few years, interesting properties of cavity-SIT solitons have been predicted using approximate theories, with possible applications in the generation of ultrashort pulse trains (soliton mode-locking). However, their existence has not yet been demonstrated experimentally nor confirmed by a more accurate theory. We have recently developed a new, accurate, theory of nonlinear coherent pulse propagation, based on Richard Feynman's model of atoms in an electromagnetic field. The theory predicts signatures of cavity-SIT solitons which can be detected experimentally. This is the main focus of the grant application. More generally, the new theory will be a useful tool for exploring new physical effects in the extreme nonlinear regime.\r\rSemiconductors such as gallium arsenide interact strongly with light, and can form high-quality optical cavities. However the lifetime is very short, and some theorists have stated that coherent propagation effects will be weak. Nevertheless, self-induced transparency effects have been observed experimentally. Our different theoretical method, together with experimental measurements, will be used to understand this discrepancy and to establish the conditions for SIT in semiconductors. The emphasis of the experimental work will be the demonstration of cavity-SIT solitons in semiconductor cavities. Several approaches will be used, including measurements of pulse propaga" . . "2006-10-01" . "2009-09-30" . "Yes" . . "436703.1314"^^ . "EP/D060958/1" . "Announced" . . "Soliton Formation through Self-Induced Transparency in Semiconductor Microcavities." . . . . . . "In recent years, it has been found that the irradiation of optical materials by intense, very short (femtosecond) laser pulses causes permanent modifications that might be utilised to create a host of new photonic components for applications to many different fields. Whilst several laboratories worldwide have examined aspects of this process, and have identified new phenomena, many with very small feature sizes, very much less than 1 micron, their nature and properties are poorly understood. Despite all of the excitement in this technology, only a small number of attempts have been made to harness and exploit the concept to create new devices, and much careful experimentation is required to make this happen. The basic types of device that can be envisaged might be formed in many different materials, and the transparent glasses, silica, and polymers are particularly important, since they can be used to create relatively complex written structures in which light may be trapped (waveguided) and used to perform communication, sensing, or measurement functions. The entire technological process has many features in common with better-established UV light inscription processes for waveguides and gratings, which are of extreme importance in modern photonic technology, but the femtosecond inscription mechanisms have many potential advantages and new features that have not been explored, particularly within the UK. It is possible, then, that an entirely new production technique can emerge, offering devices that outperform existing ones, and offer many new and exciting features. In particular, these devices would exploit the ability to produce structures buried anywhere in the volume of the material, with very small (nano-scale) feature sizes. The idea of fully 3-dimensional 'integrated optics' causes much excitement, and has proven to be very difficult to achieve by any alternative technological method over 2 decades. This programme seeks to investigate these processes building upon extremely exciting first results in our laboratories. The goals of the programme lie in learning to harness the complicated processes in order to produce new fibre optic and planar photonic device structures. Numerous fields of activity can benefit from this, but we have chosen to target the majority, though not all, of our studies towards devices that have much-needed uses in biomedical and surgical areas. Amongst these we include 'smart' or steerable catheters and endoscopes, wherein the fibre optic systems are rendered dir" . "In recent years, it has been found that the irradiation of optical materials by intense, very short (femtosecond) laser pulses causes permanent modifications that might be utilised to create a host of new photonic components for applications to many different fields. Whilst several laboratories worldwide have examined aspects of this process, and have identified new phenomena, many with very small feature sizes, very much less than 1 micron, their nature and properties are poorly understood. Despite all of the excitement in this technology, only a small number of attempts have been made to harness and exploit the concept to create new devices, and much careful experimentation is required to make this happen. The basic types of device that can be envisaged might be formed in many different materials, and the transparent glasses, silica, and polymers are particularly important, since they can be used to create relatively complex written structures in which light may be trapped (waveguided) and used to perform communication, sensing, or measurement functions. The entire technological process has many features in common with better-established UV light inscription processes for waveguides and gratings, which are of extreme importance in modern photonic te" . . "2006-06-01" . "2009-05-31" . "No" . . "548614.118"^^ . "EP/D060990/1" . "Announced" . . "Femtosecond Microfabrication of Photonic Devices" . . . . . . "This proposal brings together highly advanced but still exploratory modelling work that has already resulted in a preliminary prototype design. This is a new three scallop tri-symmetric valve whereby the blood flow is extremely high. During the lifetime of the project this finite element analysis will continue to develop improvements in the exact modulus required and leaflet thickness to achieve the highest hydrodynamic performance possible. The nanocomposite designed with silsequioxane in the form of POSS nanocages will be further improved by incorporation of mixtures of different POSS cages in order to result in further improvements in the anti-calcification and /infection properties critical to the clinical success of the project. By usage of EHDA leaflet processing can be achieved that has previously not been possible by conventional techniques such as dip coating in terms of accuracy and quantitative repeatability. By the addition of a dedicated clinical facility with over thirty years experience in implantation of both mechanical and acellular valves into young children a unique engenderment and infra-structure is established critical to the ultimate success of the project. Each centre is a world leader in their respective field and preliminary work has shown that the three groups can work together well. This resulting highly inter-disciplinary tri-partite group allows unique cross-fertilisation of ideas and novel concepts otherwise not achievable. We feel therefore for the modest resources required that the project has a clearly defined chance of success in achieving all of its stated aims. In summary a new prototype working design of heart valve designed with children's needs in mind is the endpoint of this project so that in vivo trials and possibly limited clinical trials can start at the end of the project." . "This proposal brings together highly advanced but still exploratory modelling work that has already resulted in a preliminary prototype design. This is a new three scallop tri-symmetric valve whereby the blood flow is extremely high. During the lifetime of the project this finite element analysis will continue to develop improvements in the exact modulus required and leaflet thickness to achieve the highest hydrodynamic performance possible. The nanocomposite designed with silsequioxane in the form of POSS nanocages will be further improved by incorporation of mixtures of different POSS cages in order to result in further improvements in the anti-calcification and /infection properties critical to the clinical success of the project. By usage of EHDA leaflet processing can be achieved that has previously not been possible by conventional techniques such as dip coating in terms of accuracy and quantitative repeatability. By the addition of a dedicated clinical facility with over thirty years experience in implantation of both mechanical and acellular valves into young children a unique engenderment and infra-structure is established critical to the ultimate success of the project. Each centre is a world leader in their respective field and preliminary work" . . . "2006-05-01" . "2009-10-31" . "Yes" . . "197748.65"^^ . "EP/D061555/1" . "Announced" . . "Nanocomposites and Electrohydrodynamic Forming: The new route for the development and construction of biocompatible cardiac valves" . . . . . . "CONTEXT\rAuthentication and traceability of manufactured items is becoming increasingly necessary to reduce imports of counterfeit items into the UK. The Anti-Counterfeiting Group estimates counterfeiters and pirates cost the UK almost 10 billion and over 4,000 jobs in 2003. Manufacturers also suffer a loss of reputation and inadvertent purchase of counterfeit safety or healthcare items can be catastrophic when the fake items perform inadequately. The proposed research programme will address these problems of authentication and identification by contributing to the investigation into copy-resistant multi-layer matrix codes, decorative data-carrying structures and direct-writable anti-theft tags as follows:\r\r1. COPY RESISTANT MULTI -LAYER MATRIX CODES\rMatrix codes, a form of 2D barcode, can hold 2000 characters or more, encoded in a 'checkerboard' pattern of black and white elements. The code is 'read' by image capture followed by application of a decode algorithm to extract the data. Matrix codes can be direct marked or deposited on many materials but have no inherent copy protection - if the code is copied then the data is copied. \r\rThis research will investigate and develop novel copy resistant 2D codes using multiple ink technologies to create a multi-layer code structure that holds both private and public data. Under laboratory conditions, data will be split across two data layers with the visible layer data encoded in the black and white checkerboard structure and the 'invisible' data encoded in a separate structure printed on top of the visible code using an invisible but UV sensitive ink. When viewed in white light the visible data layer can be decoded and illumination by UV light will reveal the 'invisible' data for decoding. The combination of visible and invisible data authenticates the item and copying of the visible code will not authenticate a 'cloned' item as part of the required data is missing. Further test bed experiments will be conducted to investigate the feasibility of extending this technique to the use of infra-red; magnetic and microwave reflective inks to carry additional data layers.\r\r2. DECORATIVE DATA-CARRYING STRUCTURES\rSince the appearance of 2D codes is generally unacceptable on high quality items where aesthetic design is important, the research team will also investigate the feasibility of creating small decorative elements that carry a small data payload. These could be applied by direct writing techniques, ostensibly to create a decorative element but allowing, for exampl" . "CONTEXT\rAuthentication and traceability of manufactured items is becoming increasingly necessary to reduce imports of counterfeit items into the UK. The Anti-Counterfeiting Group estimates counterfeiters and pirates cost the UK almost 10 billion and over 4,000 jobs in 2003. Manufacturers also suffer a loss of reputation and inadvertent purchase of counterfeit safety or healthcare items can be catastrophic when the fake items perform inadequately. The proposed research programme will address these problems of authentication and identification by contributing to the investigation into copy-resistant multi-layer matrix codes, decorative data-carrying structures and direct-writable anti-theft tags as follows:\r\r1. COPY RESISTANT MULTI -LAYER MATRIX CODES\rMatrix codes, a form of 2D barcode, can hold 2000 characters or more, encoded in a 'checkerboard' pattern of black and white elements. The code is 'read' by image capture followed by application of a decode algorithm to extract the data. Matrix codes can be direct marked or deposited on many materials but have no inherent copy protection - if the code is copied then the data is copied. \r\rThis research will investigate and develop novel copy resistant 2D codes using multiple ink technologies to create a multi-l" . . "2007-01-08" . "2010-01-07" . "Yes" . . "142291.84"^^ . "EP/D062160/1" . "Announced" . . "Durable and Permanent Product Authentication and Anti-Theft Marking (DTI Ref. TP/4/AMD/6/S/22052)" . . . . . . "Our aims are to develop new, improved materials and methods which will allow stem cells (mesenchymal; MSCs) to be manipulated to form bone tissue. We will do this using tiny (<100 nm; 1/1000 diameter human hair) calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite; HAP) particles as vectors to carry specific biological molecules to the cells. To maximize the delivery of these chemical and genetic signals, the whole cell surface of each individual cell will be covered with the vectors (3D coating). Specifically, this will allow us to produce and grow self supporting, living bone tissue, either inside the body at the site of damage, or outside in culture dishes ready for implant. More generally, the improved efficiency and cost effectiveness of this approach will also enhance studies in the generation of other tissue types from MSCs (e.g. nerve and muscle) and in modifying other types of stem cell.\r\rWhy mesenchymal stem cells?\rStem cells have huge potential as therapeutic agents. Embryonic stem cells (ESC) have the potential to form all the major types of cell in the body, and are relatively easy to grow in culture. However, there are ethical and compatibility concerns with there use. Adult stem cells (ASC) can be harvested from specific tissue types (blood, nerves, skin), bu" . "Our aims are to develop new, improved materials and methods which will allow stem cells (mesenchymal; MSCs) to be manipulated to form bone tissue. We will do this using tiny (<100 nm; 1/1000 diameter human hair) calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite; HAP) particles as vectors to carry specific biological molecules to the cells. To maximize the delivery of these chemical and genetic signals, the whole cell surface of each individual cell will be covered with the vectors (3D coating). Specifically, this will allow us to produce and grow self supporting, living bone tissue, either inside the body at the site of damage, or outside in culture dishes ready for implant. More generally, the improved efficiency and cost effectiveness of this approach will also enhance studies in the generation of other tissue types from MSCs (e.g. nerve and muscle) and in modifying other types of stem cell.\r\rWhy mesenchymal stem cells?\rStem cells have huge potential as therapeutic agents. Embryonic stem cells (ESC) have the potential to form all the major types of cell in the body, and are relatively easy to grow in culture. However, there are ethical and compatibility concerns with there use. Adult stem cells (ASC) can be harvested from specific tissue types (blood, nerves, skin), but the populations need to be expanded to get sufficient material for therapeutic use. In this regard, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) offer great hope for tissue engineering as methods for isolation and rapid cultivation are well established. They are natural precursors to bone, cartilage, fat and fibrous connective tissue formation. Thus they are already intensively studied as components of systems for replacing damaged bone tissues (e.g. restorative surgery). In addition the same person can be donor and recipient, thus alleviating the problems associated with ESCs.\r\rWhy small hydroxyapatite particles?\rHydroxyapatite is the chemical form of calcium phosphate found in bone, so it is compatible with the cells. The crystals of HAP in bone are also of a similar size (<100 nm). In addition, because the crystals are so small as well as coating the cell, some will be transported inside the cell. Thus the particles can be used to deliver information to the cell surface and interior.\r\rWhy chemical and genetic signals?\rThe key to using stem cells to regenerate tissue is the ability to persuade them to form the required type. There are two ways to manipulate these cells towards bone formation / direct genetic modification of the internal cell nucleus, or t" . . . "2006-10-02" . "2010-04-01" . "Yes" . . "260734.21"^^ . "EP/D062349/1" . "Announced" . . "Cell Modification in 3D: a new Paradigm in the Creation of Living Cell-Biomaterial Composites" . . . . . . "The lack of capacity for advancing the emerging field of nanometrology can only be addressed through stra-tegic interdisciplinary collaborations that provide a stimulating and innovative research environment to catalyse and sustain a new dimension in UK research capability. In a major strategic initiative, Strathclyde University (SU) has founded a Centre for Molecular Nanometrology (2005 - to our knowledge, the first in the world) with facilities supported by the Wolfson Foundation and the Science Research Infrastructure Fund. This Centre has the ultimate goal of recording real-time images of dynamical interactions of single molecules in-situ. With the award of a Science and In-novation Award the Centre will facilitate the high quality, innovative, multidisciplinary research environment required to nurture and develop the extra capacity needed to make the UK a leader in nanometrology. A Science and Innovation Award will also bring together the Centre and medical collaborators at King's College London (KCL), bridging the molecular measurement gap to innovation in emerging areas of strategic impor-tance such as disease pathology, diagnostic tools in nanomedicine, the design of new drug treatments and new structural materials while facilitating knowledge tr" . "The lack of capacity for advancing the emerging field of nanometrology can only be addressed through stra-tegic interdisciplinary collaborations that provide a stimulating and innovative research environment to catalyse and sustain a new dimension in UK research capability. In a major strategic initiative, Strathclyde University (SU) has founded a Centre for Molecular Nanometrology (2005 - to our knowledge, the first in the world) with facilities supported by the Wolfson Foundation and the Science Research Infrastructure Fund. This Centre has the ultimate goal of recording real-time images of dynamical interactions of single molecules in-situ. With the award of a Science and In-novation Award the Centre will facilitate the high quality, innovative, multidisciplinary research environment required to nurture and develop the extra capacity needed to make the UK a leader in nanometrology. A Science and Innovation Award will also bring together the Centre and medical collaborators at King's College London (KCL), bridging the molecular measurement gap to innovation in emerging areas of strategic impor-tance such as disease pathology, diagnostic tools in nanomedicine, the design of new drug treatments and new structural materials while facilitating knowledge transfer into the healthcare and chemical industries." . . "2006-08-01" . "2011-07-31" . "Yes" . . "3116482.42"^^ . "EP/D062861/1" . "Announced" . . "Nanometrology for Molecular Science, Medicine and Manufacture" . . . . . . "We propose a four-party collaborative research programme that combines the expertise of the materials science, engineering, and surface science and cell biology from four leading universities. \r\rWe wish to continue our highly successful Flagship Grant programme in the development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) stent graft and coronary stent whereby stainless steel and shape memory alloy (SMA) are coated with nanocomposite (NC) polymer. Our preliminary work has demonstrated excellent blood and tissue biocompatibility and we have attributed this property to the preferential adsorption of fibrinogen followed by its conformational deactivation. Further work is required for mechanical and haemodynamic testing in vitro and in vivo. We intend to complete the deployment and positioning studies to allow an animal study to take place, leading to commercialisation. \r\rTo achieve these aims we will use a novel packaging technique to fold the stent into a small and uniform diameter avoiding geometric incompatibility. The folding is achieved by generating a set of folds onto the surface of a graft using origami-based techniques. We will make the graft from either SMA with NC coated or entirely from a radio-opaque SMNC. Coating will be achieved using electrohydrodyna" . "We propose a four-party collaborative research programme that combines the expertise of the materials science, engineering, and surface science and cell biology from four leading universities. \r\rWe wish to continue our highly successful Flagship Grant programme in the development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) stent graft and coronary stent whereby stainless steel and shape memory alloy (SMA) are coated with nanocomposite (NC) polymer. Our preliminary work has demonstrated excellent blood and tissue biocompatibility and we have attributed this property to the preferential adsorption of fibrinogen followed by its conformational deactivation. Further work is required for mechanical and haemodynamic testing in vitro and in vivo. We intend to complete the deployment and positioning studies to allow an animal study to take place, leading to commercialisation. \r\rTo achieve these aims we will use a novel packaging technique to fold the stent into a small and uniform diameter avoiding geometric incompatibility. The folding is achieved by generating a set of folds onto the surface of a graft using origami-based techniques. We will make the graft from either SMA with NC coated or entirely from a radio-opaque SMNC. Coating will be achieved using electrohydrodynamic spray deposition (ESD). Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and neutron reflection (NR) will be utilised to determine how durable these materials are in vitro and how they achieve biocompatibility. \r\rSuccessful delivery of the programme will lead to the development of a stent that has significant advantages over existing devices including geometric simplicity, a more reliable expansion mechanism, higher radial strength, the ability to shape the structure to the artery, and better biocompatibility with both blood and tissue. With engineering, materials, surface science and biological groups in close collaboration, structural design and novel manufacturing concepts can be applied to new materials development and stent fabrication, simplifying the regulatory pathway and acceptance to the marketplace. The proposal is highly likely to succeed as it has a unique integrated structure and approach. All the applicants have international reputations in their own fields, have established records in integrated adventurous projects and have recognised track records for commercialising concepts and products and as a team are well suited for carrying out the proposed research." . . . "2006-11-22" . "2011-11-21" . "Yes" . . "187521.7"^^ . "EP/D064678/1" . "Announced" . . "Novel Functional Nanocomposite Engineering of Stents" . . . . . . "We propose a four-party collaborative research programme that combines the expertise of the materials science, engineering, and surface science and cell biology from four leading universities. \r\rWe wish to continue our highly successful Flagship Grant programme in the development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) stent graft and coronary stent whereby stainless steel and shape memory alloy (SMA) are coated with nanocomposite (NC) polymer. Our preliminary work has demonstrated excellent blood and tissue biocompatibility and we have attributed this property to the preferential adsorption of fibrinogen followed by its conformational deactivation. Further work is required for mechanical and haemodynamic testing in vitro and in vivo. We intend to complete the deployment and positioning studies to allow an animal study to take place, leading to commercialisation. \r\rTo achieve these aims we will use a novel packaging technique to fold the stent into a small and uniform diameter avoiding geometric incompatibility. The folding is achieved by generating a set of folds onto the surface of a graft using origami-based techniques. We will make the graft from either SMA with NC coated or entirely from a radio-opaque SMNC. Coating will be achieved using electrohydrodyna" . "We propose a four-party collaborative research programme that combines the expertise of the materials science, engineering, and surface science and cell biology from four leading universities. \r\rWe wish to continue our highly successful Flagship Grant programme in the development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) stent graft and coronary stent whereby stainless steel and shape memory alloy (SMA) are coated with nanocomposite (NC) polymer. Our preliminary work has demonstrated excellent blood and tissue biocompatibility and we have attributed this property to the preferential adsorption of fibrinogen followed by its conformational deactivation. Further work is required for mechanical and haemodynamic testing in vitro and in vivo. We intend to complete the deployment and positioning studies to allow an animal study to take place, leading to commercialisation. \r\rTo achieve these aims we will use a novel packaging technique to fold the stent into a small and uniform diameter avoiding geometric incompatibility. The folding is achieved by generating a set of folds onto the surface of a graft using origami-based techniques. We will make the graft from either SMA with NC coated or entirely from a radio-opaque SMNC. Coating will be achieved using electrohydrodynamic spray deposition (ESD). Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and neutron reflection (NR) will be utilised to determine how durable these materials are in vitro and how they achieve biocompatibility. \r\rSuccessful delivery of the programme will lead to the development of a stent that has significant advantages over existing devices including geometric simplicity, a more reliable expansion mechanism, higher radial strength, the ability to shape the structure to the artery, and better biocompatibility with both blood and tissue. With engineering, materials, surface science and biological groups in close collaboration, structural design and novel manufacturing concepts can be applied to new materials development and stent fabrication, simplifying the regulatory pathway and acceptance to the marketplace. The proposal is highly likely to succeed as it has a unique integrated structure and approach. All the applicants have international reputations in their own fields, have established records in integrated adventurous projects and have recognised track records for commercialising concepts and products and as a team are well suited for carrying out the proposed research." . . . "2006-11-30" . "2011-11-29" . "Yes" . . "273632"^^ . "EP/D064732/1" . "Announced" . . "Novel Functional Nanocomposite Engineering of Stents" . . . . . . "By defining a periodic array of sub-micron sized holes into a thin film, it is possible to create an optical material in which the propagation of light can be controlled. By placing a physical defect into such a 'photonic-crystal', it is possible to create a volume within which light can be very strongly localized (trapped). Such defects are termed 'optical nano-cavities'. When a light-emitting material is placed within a nano-cavity, many fascinating physical processes can occur, including a significant enhancement of radiative-emission rates. Whilst much progress has been made on this topic by using inorganic semiconductors to define the nanocavity (or as the material located within the nano-cavity), very little has been done in this respect using organic materials. It is clear however that organic semiconductors have a number of advantages over their inorganic counterparts; these include an ease of processing and patterning at high spatial resolution and room-temperature light emission. In this proposal, we therefore intend develop two different ultra-high resolution patterning techniques that will permit us to deposit fluorescent organic materials within an optical nano-cavity. This will represent the first realisation of an optical 'organic-nanocavity' and will permit us to explore structures in which we can anticipate a significant enhancement of radiative rates. If successful, the structures that we study are likely to be of significant fundamental interest for their quantum optical properties. However we believe that organic optical nano-cavities could well find applications in a range of emerging nanotechnologies, including structures that could act as ultra-high sensitivity biological or chemical assay-systems." . "By defining a periodic array of sub-micron sized holes into a thin film, it is possible to create an optical material in which the propagation of light can be controlled. By placing a physical defect into such a 'photonic-crystal', it is possible to create a volume within which light can be very strongly localized (trapped). Such defects are termed 'optical nano-cavities'. When a light-emitting material is placed within a nano-cavity, many fascinating physical processes can occur, including a significant enhancement of radiative-emission rates. Whilst much progress has been made on this topic by using inorganic semiconductors to define the nanocavity (or as the material located within the nano-cavity), very little has been done in this respect using organic materials. It is clear however that organic semiconductors have a number of advantages over their inorganic counterparts; these include an ease of processing and patterning at high spatial resolution and room-temperature light emission. In this proposal, we therefore intend develop two different ultra-high resolution patterning techniques that will permit us to deposit fluorescent organic materials within an optical nano-cavity. This will represent the first realisation of an optical 'organic-nanocavit" . . "2006-09-01" . "2010-02-28" . "Yes" . . "422919.06"^^ . "EP/D064767/1" . "Announced" . . "Nano-scale organic photonic-structures" . . . . . . "We propose a four-party collaborative research programme that combines the expertise of the materials science, engineering, and surface science and cell biology from four leading universities. \r\rWe wish to continue our highly successful Flagship Grant programme in the development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) stent graft and coronary stent whereby stainless steel and shape memory alloy (SMA) are coated with nanocomposite (NC) polymer. Our preliminary work has demonstrated excellent blood and tissue biocompatibility and we have attributed this property to the preferential adsorption of fibrinogen followed by its conformational deactivation. Further work is required for mechanical and haemodynamic testing in vitro and in vivo. We intend to complete the deployment and positioning studies to allow an animal study to take place, leading to commercialisation. \r\rTo achieve these aims we will use a novel packaging technique to fold the stent into a small and uniform diameter avoiding geometric incompatibility. The folding is achieved by generating a set of folds onto the surface of a graft using origami-based techniques. We will make the graft from either SMA with NC coated or entirely from a radio-opaque SMNC. Coating will be achieved using electrohydrodyna" . "We propose a four-party collaborative research programme that combines the expertise of the materials science, engineering, and surface science and cell biology from four leading universities. \r\rWe wish to continue our highly successful Flagship Grant programme in the development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) stent graft and coronary stent whereby stainless steel and shape memory alloy (SMA) are coated with nanocomposite (NC) polymer. Our preliminary work has demonstrated excellent blood and tissue biocompatibility and we have attributed this property to the preferential adsorption of fibrinogen followed by its conformational deactivation. Further work is required for mechanical and haemodynamic testing in vitro and in vivo. We intend to complete the deployment and positioning studies to allow an animal study to take place, leading to commercialisation. \r\rTo achieve these aims we will use a novel packaging technique to fold the stent into a small and uniform diameter avoiding geometric incompatibility. The folding is achieved by generating a set of folds onto the surface of a graft using origami-based techniques. We will make the graft from either SMA with NC coated or entirely from a radio-opaque SMNC. Coating will be achieved using electrohydrodynamic spray deposition (ESD). Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and neutron reflection (NR) will be utilised to determine how durable these materials are in vitro and how they achieve biocompatibility. \r\rSuccessful delivery of the programme will lead to the development of a stent that has significant advantages over existing devices including geometric simplicity, a more reliable expansion mechanism, higher radial strength, the ability to shape the structure to the artery, and better biocompatibility with both blood and tissue. With engineering, materials, surface science and biological groups in close collaboration, structural design and novel manufacturing concepts can be applied to new materials development and stent fabrication, simplifying the regulatory pathway and acceptance to the marketplace. The proposal is highly likely to succeed as it has a unique integrated structure and approach. All the applicants have international reputations in their own fields, have established records in integrated adventurous projects and have recognised track records for commercialising concepts and products and as a team are well suited for carrying out the proposed research." . . . "2006-08-01" . "2011-07-31" . "Yes" . . "387749.32"^^ . "EP/D064872/1" . "Announced" . . "Novel Functional Nanocomposite Engineering of Stents" . . . . . . "We propose a four-party collaborative research programme that combines the expertise of the materials science, engineering, and surface science and cell biology from four leading universities. \r\rWe wish to continue our highly successful Flagship Grant programme in the development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) stent graft and coronary stent whereby stainless steel and shape memory alloy (SMA) are coated with nanocomposite (NC) polymer. Our preliminary work has demonstrated excellent blood and tissue biocompatibility and we have attributed this property to the preferential adsorption of fibrinogen followed by its conformational deactivation. Further work is required for mechanical and haemodynamic testing in vitro and in vivo. We intend to complete the deployment and positioning studies to allow an animal study to take place, leading to commercialisation. \r\rTo achieve these aims we will use a novel packaging technique to fold the stent into a small and uniform diameter avoiding geometric incompatibility. The folding is achieved by generating a set of folds onto the surface of a graft using origami-based techniques. We will make the graft from either SMA with NC coated or entirely from a radio-opaque SMNC. Coating will be achieved using electrohydrodyna" . "We propose a four-party collaborative research programme that combines the expertise of the materials science, engineering, and surface science and cell biology from four leading universities. \r\rWe wish to continue our highly successful Flagship Grant programme in the development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) stent graft and coronary stent whereby stainless steel and shape memory alloy (SMA) are coated with nanocomposite (NC) polymer. Our preliminary work has demonstrated excellent blood and tissue biocompatibility and we have attributed this property to the preferential adsorption of fibrinogen followed by its conformational deactivation. Further work is required for mechanical and haemodynamic testing in vitro and in vivo. We intend to complete the deployment and positioning studies to allow an animal study to take place, leading to commercialisation. \r\rTo achieve these aims we will use a novel packaging technique to fold the stent into a small and uniform diameter avoiding geometric incompatibility. The folding is achieved by generating a set of folds onto the surface of a graft using origami-based techniques. We will make the graft from either SMA with NC coated or entirely from a radio-opaque SMNC. Coating will be achieved using electrohydrodynamic spray deposition (ESD). Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and neutron reflection (NR) will be utilised to determine how durable these materials are in vitro and how they achieve biocompatibility. \r\rSuccessful delivery of the programme will lead to the development of a stent that has significant advantages over existing devices including geometric simplicity, a more reliable expansion mechanism, higher radial strength, the ability to shape the structure to the artery, and better biocompatibility with both blood and tissue. With engineering, materials, surface science and biological groups in close collaboration, structural design and novel manufacturing concepts can be applied to new materials development and stent fabrication, simplifying the regulatory pathway and acceptance to the marketplace. The proposal is highly likely to succeed as it has a unique integrated structure and approach. All the applicants have international reputations in their own fields, have established records in integrated adventurous projects and have recognised track records for commercialising concepts and products and as a team are well suited for carrying out the proposed research." . . . "2006-06-01" . "2011-05-31" . "Yes" . . "249505.14"^^ . "EP/D064945/1" . "Announced" . . "Novel Functional Nanocomposite Engineering of Stents" . . . . . . "The UK is at the forefront of experimental research into signalling mechanisms responsible for cellular communication. However, there is a glaring disparity in the amount of UK based theoretical work on the development and analysis of cell signalling models. Now is the time to take up the challenge of developing a body of theoretical work that can complement and enhance this area of UK research excellence. We propose to hold a one day workshop that will bring together predominantly UK based researchers who are working to understand the dynamics of cellular calcium signals. This will be complemented by the invitation of other mainland European and US experts, and the timely arrival in the UK of one the worlds leading mathematical biologists, Prof Jim Keener (Utah). The mathematical tools to be discussed will include the traditional tools of mathematical biology (such as nonlinear dynamical systems theory) but also powerful new techniques from non-equilibrium statistical physics, which are needed to address the inherently stochastic nature of calcium release from cells." . . "2006-04-30" . "2006-08-29" . "No" . . "3581.4"^^ . "EP/D065542/1" . "Announced" . . "Mathematical modelling of cellular calcium signals" . . . . . . "Within the next 20 years, most of the growth in housing development in England and Wales is predicted to occur in suburban settlements. At the same time, this development is expected to be sustainable economically and environmentally, which means that the suburb is required to provide local economic activities (and therefore to minimise travel) and to support cohesive and vibrant communities. \r\rOne of the main problems that urban planners face when they try to materialise this vision is the lack of knowledge on the factors that make the suburban town centre and its surroundings successful and vibrant. In this research we aim to address this issue and to develop tools and techniques that will assist urban planners when they deal with new development plans for suburban areas. \r\rThe research will utilise methods for spatial analysis of social and economic activities at the street block level. One of the strengths of the methodology is that it allows the visualisation and analysis of the urban form (the structure of the streets and the layout of the buildings) with information about the people who are living in these buildings. In most research projects, the two are not analysed within a unified framework - so urban designers focus on the street layout, while social-scientists focus on the social and economic aspects of town centre planning. In addition, our methods provide a level of detail and accuracy which can contribute to precise design decisions\r\rWe will first study ten suburban areas in England and Wales to get a picture of the range of suburban types and then we will focus on four suburban settlements. The selection of settlements will be based on computerised geographical analysis of existing governmental datasets, literature review and a mapping study. The four cases will include both successful and declining suburbs. \r\rEach of the four cases will be analysed in detail. We will use historical maps (which have been recently released for academic research) to understand the development of the urban form over the last 100 years. We will then conduct an in-depth analysis of change over the last 10 years, based on census data, recent maps and governmental datasets on employment and other economic activities. We will assess the success of the centres through measures of economic performance, physical accessibility, walkability and mix of activities. We will also run local workshops to contribute to this assessment and to get information on future priorities from the perspective of local stakeholders. Fin" . "Within the next 20 years, most of the growth in housing development in England and Wales is predicted to occur in suburban settlements. At the same time, this development is expected to be sustainable economically and environmentally, which means that the suburb is required to provide local economic activities (and therefore to minimise travel) and to support cohesive and vibrant communities. \r\rOne of the main problems that urban planners face when they try to materialise this vision is the lack of knowledge on the factors that make the suburban town centre and its surroundings successful and vibrant. In this research we aim to address this issue and to develop tools and techniques that will assist urban planners when they deal with new development plans for suburban areas. \r\rThe research will utilise methods for spatial analysis of social and economic activities at the street block level. One of the strengths of the methodology is that it allows the visualisation and analysis of the urban form (the structure of the streets and the layout of the buildings) with information about the people who are living in these buildings. In most research projects, the two are not analysed within a unified framework - so urban designers focus on the street layout, while" . . "2006-10-01" . "2009-12-31" . "Yes" . . "565916.36"^^ . "EP/D06595X/1" . "Announced" . . "Towards Successful Suburban Town Centres: a study of the relationship between morphology, sociability, economics and accessibility" . . . . . . "There are many questions still to be answered in biology and the life sciences and sometimes it is necessary to take a new approach to how this is done. One way is to use techniques from the physical sciences, such as chemistry and physics and apply them in a novel way to biology. This project aims to use a well understood physical science technique in order to further the understanding of a key biological problem. Biological membranes are complex, environments which provide a barrier between the inside and outside of the cell. The membrane is made of a wide range of molecules known as lipids which sit top to tail in an arrangement called a bilayer. Each lipid present in the bilayer fulfils a specific purpose. Also present within the membrane are molecules known as membrane proteins, which allow there to be transport of signals and nutrients between inside and outside of the cell. Membrane proteins are hydrophobic ('water hating') and need to be surrounded by lipids (which have a hydrophobic body which protects the protein) to function. Little is understood about the interplay between the lipids that make up the membrane and the proteins they surround. The complexity of the lipid membrane also makes it very difficult to study. One way to combat this problem is to make synthetic membranes to simplify the environment which the protein is embedded in. However a further problem is that membrane proteins are extremely difficult to work with and can only be obtained in minute quantities. A solution to both of these problems would be to use a technique known as microfluidics. A microfluidic device is a way to provide a reproducible controllable method to make synthetic lipid bilayers that can then be used to study membrane proteins. Samples flow down small channels (usually less than 1mm wide) with a constant smooth flow. The advantages are that small volumes, such as is required for working with membrane proteins are used and we can control the way that the membrane protein is mixed with the lipid environment. \rIn this project, microfluidic devices will be used to study how membrane proteins interact with synthetic lipid bilayers. A microfluidic device will be designed and made and mixtures of lipids, mixed with fluorescent dyes, will be deposited in a bilayer on the patterned glass surface. This will act like the cell membrane. Once the way in which the lipids are deposited is established, helical peptides - molecules which mimic the region of membrane proteins that sits in the lipid bilayer will be added. Th" . "There are many questions still to be answered in biology and the life sciences and sometimes it is necessary to take a new approach to how this is done. One way is to use techniques from the physical sciences, such as chemistry and physics and apply them in a novel way to biology. This project aims to use a well understood physical science technique in order to further the understanding of a key biological problem. Biological membranes are complex, environments which provide a barrier between the inside and outside of the cell. The membrane is made of a wide range of molecules known as lipids which sit top to tail in an arrangement called a bilayer. Each lipid present in the bilayer fulfils a specific purpose. Also present within the membrane are molecules known as membrane proteins, which allow there to be transport of signals and nutrients between inside and outside of the cell. Membrane proteins are hydrophobic ('water hating') and need to be surrounded by lipids (which have a hydrophobic body which protects the protein) to function. Little is understood about the interplay between the lipids that make up the membrane and the proteins they surround. The complexity of the lipid membrane also makes it very difficult to study. One way to combat this prob" . . "2006-07-01" . "2009-06-30" . "No" . . "273297.5"^^ . "EP/D066123/1" . "Announced" . . "Microfluidic Devices in Chemical Biology / a new frontier in the study of biological membranes" . . . . . . "Biomineralisation is a fundamental phenomenon in Nature crucial to many living organisms. For example it is the process by which humans and mammals use minerals such as calcium phosphate in the body to produce bones and teeth, and the way sea creatures use calcium carbonate dissolved in seawater to make their shells. So how do hard minerals emerge from the soft living tissue of an organism? This is one of the key questions asked by biologists, biochemists and biophysicists alike. The answer lies in the behaviour of proteins in and around the cells which generate the biominerals. Each biomineralisation process has a different set of proteins associated with it. Understanding how these proteins interact with each other and with surfaces during biomineralisation holds the key to understanding this process. The formation of tooth enamel is an excellent example of biomineralisation and is model system to study this process. A novel technique to study the interaction of certain proteins with tooth structure surfaces (either natural or artificial) is neutron reflectometry. The advantage of this technique is that it is possible to measure the amount of order or disorder at buried interfaces which cannot be accessed by topological techniques. It is also possible to observe processes in real-time using neutron reflectometry, so that the process of biomineralisation can be recorded as it takes place. I propose to study the interaction of various proteins known to be involved in enamel formation on artificially architected enamel surfaces using a combination of real-time neutron reflectometry experiments and two-dimensional x-ray diffraction. There is great interest in the area of biomineralisation across a variety of disciplines because a deep understanding of this process could have a profound impact on the way technological advances shape the future of electrical, optical and chemical devices. My project lies at the boundary between physics and the life sciences and would be beneficial to both communities. The research draws together international collaborates with expertise in biomineralisation (at Leeds and Michigan) and neutron and x-ray scattering techniques (at the ILL and ESRF in Grenoble, France). This research addresses one of the fundamental puzzles in biology using novel techniques and a physicist's perspective to understand to mechanism of biomineralisation." . "Biomineralisation is a fundamental phenomenon in Nature crucial to many living organisms. For example it is the process by which humans and mammals use minerals such as calcium phosphate in the body to produce bones and teeth, and the way sea creatures use calcium carbonate dissolved in seawater to make their shells. So how do hard minerals emerge from the soft living tissue of an organism? This is one of the key questions asked by biologists, biochemists and biophysicists alike. The answer lies in the behaviour of proteins in and around the cells which generate the biominerals. Each biomineralisation process has a different set of proteins associated with it. Understanding how these proteins interact with each other and with surfaces during biomineralisation holds the key to understanding this process. The formation of tooth enamel is an excellent example of biomineralisation and is model system to study this process. A novel technique to study the interaction of certain proteins with tooth structure surfaces (either natural or artificial) is neutron reflectometry. The advantage of this technique is that it is possible to measure the amount of order or disorder at buried interfaces which cannot be accessed by topological techniques. It is also possible t" . . "2006-10-31" . "2009-10-30" . "Yes" . . "267159.38"^^ . "EP/D066298/1" . "Announced" . . "Novel time-resolved techniques to study mechanisms of biomineralisation" . . . . . . "The phenomenon of protein aggregation has been recently associated with a variety of human disorders that affect large sections of the population worldwide. These pathological conditions, which include Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, type II diabetes and the spongiform encephalopathies, are rapidly becoming one of the most important group of pathologies in the developed world in terms of incidence and social costs.\r\rIt has been demonstrated for several proteins that amyloid fibril formation is preceded by the formation of metastable, non-fibrillar forms often referred to as protofibrils. In addition, detailed biophysical studies are beginning to identify the formation of further smaller oligomeric species that precede the formation of the protofibrils. These oligomers, which appear to be composed largely of molecules that have a relatively disorganised structure, subsequently convert into \rprotofibrils containing extended regions of beta structure. The aim of this project is to use computer simulations to establish a general framework to understand the relationships between the multiple different aspects of the aggregation process. In particular, as the aggregation process can lead either to amorphous or to fibrillar deposits, depending on the" . "The phenomenon of protein aggregation has been recently associated with a variety of human disorders that affect large sections of the population worldwide. These pathological conditions, which include Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, type II diabetes and the spongiform encephalopathies, are rapidly becoming one of the most important group of pathologies in the developed world in terms of incidence and social costs.\r\rIt has been demonstrated for several proteins that amyloid fibril formation is preceded by the formation of metastable, non-fibrillar forms often referred to as protofibrils. In addition, detailed biophysical studies are beginning to identify the formation of further smaller oligomeric species that precede the formation of the protofibrils. These oligomers, which appear to be composed largely of molecules that have a relatively disorganised structure, subsequently convert into \rprotofibrils containing extended regions of beta structure. The aim of this project is to use computer simulations to establish a general framework to understand the relationships between the multiple different aspects of the aggregation process. In particular, as the aggregation process can lead either to amorphous or to fibrillar deposits, depending on the conditions of the experiment. It is important to identify the factors that determine these outcomes. The amorphous state is characterised by the absence of an overall order. Furthermore, this state appears often to be off equilibrium. In order to obtain more insight into the process of fibril formation, it is important to understand how peptides and proteins reorganize themselves within amorphous aggregates, as the internal dynamics may very slowly drive the amorphous state, towards more ordered assemblies.\r\rAn even more important aspect of the approach that we propose, which we will be able to study in the second stage of the project, is the possibility to characterise the mechanism of toxicity of the small oligomeric aggregates of the A-beta(25-35) peptide, which as of now, is still very little understood. It is of the utmost importance to investigate also whether a structural modification in these large oligomers can lead to the definition of the critical nucleus, i.e. the critical nucleus it is not defined just by the number of peptides but also by their structure.\rAmyloid aggregates are known to be formed preferentially by proteins of the same type, or of high sequence homology. Considering that the fibril brakes more often where" . . "2006-10-01" . "2009-09-30" . "Yes" . . "217761.14"^^ . "EP/D06693X/1" . "Announced" . . "Developing a theoretical framework for understanding amyloid aggregation" . . . . . . "It is commonly assumed that solids which conduct electricity do so via the movement of charged electrons under an applied electric field, and electrically conducting liquids require the movement of charged ions. However, this is not always the case. Liquid mercury provides, perhaps, the best example of a liquid showing metallic (electronic) conduction, and there are a variety of solids whose conductivity is primarily due to ionic migration. Such solids may therefore show similar properties, and applications, as liquid electrolytes. An important application for solids which conduct via the migration of O2- ions is as electrolytes for high temperatures solid oxide fuel cells, SOFCs, where the electrolyte separates the active electrode materials, which may simply be O2 and H2. Other applications include O2- conducting membranes which can, for example, be utilised for the production of pure oxygen from impure sources, typically air, by passing a current through the membrane. Such devices could be used for large scale oxygen production or in portable devices, e.g. for medical purposes. For efficiency and technological stability, low temperature operation is a requirement, and the need for new materials which show high O2- conductivity at low temperatures" . "It is commonly assumed that solids which conduct electricity do so via the movement of charged electrons under an applied electric field, and electrically conducting liquids require the movement of charged ions. However, this is not always the case. Liquid mercury provides, perhaps, the best example of a liquid showing metallic (electronic) conduction, and there are a variety of solids whose conductivity is primarily due to ionic migration. Such solids may therefore show similar properties, and applications, as liquid electrolytes. An important application for solids which conduct via the migration of O2- ions is as electrolytes for high temperatures solid oxide fuel cells, SOFCs, where the electrolyte separates the active electrode materials, which may simply be O2 and H2. Other applications include O2- conducting membranes which can, for example, be utilised for the production of pure oxygen from impure sources, typically air, by passing a current through the membrane. Such devices could be used for large scale oxygen production or in portable devices, e.g. for medical purposes. For efficiency and technological stability, low temperature operation is a requirement, and the need for new materials which show high O2- conductivity at low temperatures provides the stimulus for this proposal. We have made an important observation that certain cations, when partially substituting Bi in bismuth oxide, produce what appear to be the best low temperature isotropic oxide ion conductors (i.e. the conductivity is independent of direction). It is now vital that we fully characterise these materials in order to:\r\ri\toptimise their properties;\rii\tfully check (and possibly improve) their stability to long term usage at low temperatures;\riii\texplore their potential for real applications;\riv\texplore the possible extension of our observation to other systems.\r\rIn particular, we need to explore the detailed structure of the materials we have already synthesised, especially the local structure around the ions substituted into the bismuth oxide framework, and the surface properties which are important for applications in real devices. We also need to have a better understanding of the mechanism applicable to the O2- migration in these materials, in order to rationalise the improved conductivity observed. This objective cannot be achieved experimentally, but requires the use of theoretical modelling. The proposal therefore will bring together four high quality research groups from different research centres, each of" . . "2006-10-02" . "2010-04-01" . "Yes" . . "306358.35"^^ . "EP/D068622/1" . "Announced" . . "Characterization and optimization of new fluorite-related oxide ion conductors" . . . . . . "This Platform Grant would underpin research in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College into the development and application of nanostructured materials as membranes for separations in organic liquids via Organic Solvent Nanofiltration (OSN). This current research encompasses membrane fabrication, structural and transport characterisation, and applications in chemical and biopharmaceutical synthesis. We will use the platform grant to develop new research in the strategic areas of:\r(1) Fabrication of ceramic membranes with hexagonally ordered pores \r(2) Novel fabrication and modification techniques - (i) Atmospheric plasma treatments and; (ii) PolyHIPEs (HIPE = High Internal Phase Emulsion)\r(3) Nanoporous fluoropolymer composites \r(4) Characterisation of film properties\r(5) Oligonucleotide synthesis\r\rA highly skilled team of post-doctoral researchers with wide ranging skills and a broad understanding of the whole area is key to taking an internationally leading role, and to developing exciting new research and this platform grant will provide the necessary stability and space to our post-doctoral team. Through a planned programne of research they will gain valuable experience in areas almost completely different from those they have previously worked in, enabling them to establish and broaden their track record. Most importantly, the platform grant will enable us to retain and augment valuable knowledge and expertise in our group. This will provide the continuity necessary to maintain an internationally leading position, and also for the postdocs to build their expertise and multidisciplinary outlook through the planned acquisition of new skills.\r\rFinally we wish to exploit our opportunity for expanded international interactions though our partner status in NanoMemPro, an EU Network of Excellence on Membrane Science and Technology. During the five years of Platform funding we would use some of the staff resource from the Platform grant to support our postdocs while they carry out research which supports our portfolio at NanoMemPro partner labs." . "This Platform Grant would underpin research in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College into the development and application of nanostructured materials as membranes for separations in organic liquids via Organic Solvent Nanofiltration (OSN). This current research encompasses membrane fabrication, structural and transport characterisation, and applications in chemical and biopharmaceutical synthesis. We will use the platform grant to develop new research in the strategic areas of:\r(1) Fabrication of ceramic membranes with hexagonally ordered pores \r(2) Novel fabrication and modification techniques - (i) Atmospheric plasma treatments and; (ii) PolyHIPEs (HIPE = High Internal Phase Emulsion)\r(3) Nanoporous fluoropolymer composites \r(4) Characterisation of film properties\r(5) Oligonucleotide synthesis\r\rA highly skilled team of post-doctoral researchers with wide ranging skills and a broad understanding of the whole area is key to taking an internationally leading role, and to developing exciting new research and this platform grant will provide the necessary stability and space to our post-doctoral team. Through a planned programne of research they will gain valuable experience in areas almost completely different from those they have previ" . . "2006-10-01" . "2011-09-30" . "Yes" . . "943815.6"^^ . "EP/D068851/1" . "Announced" . . "Nanostructured Membranes for Innovations in Liquid Separations" . . . . . . "It is commonly assumed that solids which conduct electricity do so via the movement of charged electrons under an applied electric field, and electrically conducting liquids require the movement of charged ions. However, this is not always the case. Liquid mercury provides, perhaps, the best example of a liquid showing metallic (electronic) conduction, and there are a variety of solids whose conductivity is primarily due to ionic migration. Such solids may therefore show similar properties, and applications, as liquid electrolytes. An important application for solids which conduct via the migration of O2- ions is as electrolytes for high temperatures solid oxide fuel cells, SOFCs, where the electrolyte separates the active electrode materials, which may simply be O2 and H2. Other applications include O2- conducting membranes which can, for example, be utilised for the production of pure oxygen from impure sources, typically air, by passing a current through the membrane. Such devices could be used for large scale oxygen production or in portable devices, e.g. for medical purposes. For efficiency and technological stability, low temperature operation is a requirement, and the need for new materials which show high O2- conductivity at low temperatures" . "It is commonly assumed that solids which conduct electricity do so via the movement of charged electrons under an applied electric field, and electrically conducting liquids require the movement of charged ions. However, this is not always the case. Liquid mercury provides, perhaps, the best example of a liquid showing metallic (electronic) conduction, and there are a variety of solids whose conductivity is primarily due to ionic migration. Such solids may therefore show similar properties, and applications, as liquid electrolytes. An important application for solids which conduct via the migration of O2- ions is as electrolytes for high temperatures solid oxide fuel cells, SOFCs, where the electrolyte separates the active electrode materials, which may simply be O2 and H2. Other applications include O2- conducting membranes which can, for example, be utilised for the production of pure oxygen from impure sources, typically air, by passing a current through the membrane. Such devices could be used for large scale oxygen production or in portable devices, e.g. for medical purposes. For efficiency and technological stability, low temperature operation is a requirement, and the need for new materials which show high O2- conductivity at low temperatures provides the stimulus for this proposal. We have made an important observation that certain cations, when partially substituting Bi in bismuth oxide, produce what appear to be the best low temperature isotropic oxide ion conductors (i.e. the conductivity is independent of direction). It is now vital that we fully characterise these materials in order to:\r\ri\toptimise their properties;\rii\tfully check (and possibly improve) their stability to long term usage at low temperatures;\riii\texplore their potential for real applications;\riv\texplore the possible extension of our observation to other systems.\r\rIn particular, we need to explore the detailed structure of the materials we have already synthesised, especially the local structure around the ions substituted into the bismuth oxide framework, and the surface properties which are important for applications in real devices. We also need to have a better understanding of the mechanism applicable to the O2- migration in these materials, in order to rationalise the improved conductivity observed. This objective cannot be achieved experimentally, but requires the use of theoretical modelling. The proposal therefore will bring together four high quality research groups from different research centres, each of" . . "2006-11-01" . "2010-04-30" . "Yes" . . "139894.51"^^ . "EP/D068924/1" . "Announced" . . "Characterization and optimization of new fluorite-related oxide ion conductors" . . . . . . "Small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) probes the difference between the electron density of different parts of a composite material. The technique characterises\rthe structure of inhomogeneous materials on a nanometre to micrometre\rlength scale. A variant of the technique, anomalous SAXS or ASAXS, uses\rx-rays of a particular energy which coincides with the absorption edge of\ran element present in the sample. This results in an emphasis on those\rparts of the sample which contain the edge element and therefore enables\rstructural investigations with chemical selectivity. Recent advances in\rsynchrotron technology, such as fast tunable monochromators and novel\rRapid detectors, to be implemented at the new Diamond source, will allow\rus to use ASAXS with complex materials and with good time resolution, so\rthat in-situ experiments while varying a process parameter become possible\rfor the first time. This includes sintering experiments at high temperature\ras well as studies of reactivity of solid materials such as refractories\rand catalysts with liquid or gaseous reactants.\r\rWe adopt a similar strategy to enhance the chemical selectivity of\rNuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. While NMR is inherently\relement specific, Cross Polarisation (CP) techniques, which transfer\rmagnetisation between atoms of different elements, can be used to select\rpairs of two different atoms. As a consequence, structural investigations\rof particular areas in a complex material become possible. Examples are\rgrain surfaces in nano-crystalline ceramics, which have a high proportion\rof aluminium-hydrogen pairs due to adsorption of water. CP-NMR extends\rthe length range of our structural studies down to the atomic scale.\r\rBoth ASAXS and CP-NMR require some technique development to enable their\rapplication to complex, real-world materials. We have chosen a number\rof systems which are complex enough to demonstrate this point while\rcontaining both an x-ray absorption edge within the energy range accessible\rand two NMR-active nuclei for cross polarisation. In particular, we\rwill study:-\ra) the corrosion of refractories (Zr K edge, 1H-27Al NMR)\rb) ion exchange in LiNbO3 ferroelectric ceramic (Nb K edge, 23Na/7Li-93Nb/29Si NMR)\rc) co-precipitation of SnO2/SiO2 sol-gel nanocomposite (Sn L edge, 1H-29Si/119Sn)" . "Small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) probes the difference between the electron density of different parts of a composite material. The technique characterises\rthe structure of inhomogeneous materials on a nanometre to micrometre\rlength scale. A variant of the technique, anomalous SAXS or ASAXS, uses\rx-rays of a particular energy which coincides with the absorption edge of\ran element present in the sample. This results in an emphasis on those\rparts of the sample which contain the edge element and therefore enables\rstructural investigations with chemical selectivity. Recent advances in\rsynchrotron technology, such as fast tunable monochromators and novel\rRapid detectors, to be implemented at the new Diamond source, will allow\rus to use ASAXS with complex materials and with good time resolution, so\rthat in-situ experiments while varying a process parameter become possible\rfor the first time. This includes sintering experiments at high temperature\ras well as studies of reactivity of solid materials such as refractories\rand catalysts with liquid or gaseous reactants.\r\rWe adopt a similar strategy to enhance the chemical selectivity of\rNuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. While NMR is inherently\relement specific, Cross Polarisation (CP) technique" . . "2006-10-01" . "2009-09-30" . "Yes" . . "120924.28"^^ . "EP/D069033/1" . "Announced" . . "In-situ ASAXS and NMR Contrast Variation for Composite Materials" . . . . . . "Future developments in large passenger aircraft will involve increasing use of fibre reinforced composite materials (FRCs) in place of metal components that currently form much of the vehicle structures. This will provide considerable weight savings and enable higher payloads and reduced fuel consumption, thus increasing commercial efficiency and reducing pollution. The extensive use of FRCs brings with it new challenges in the design of manufacturing processes and the testing of components and structures when formed. This proposal aims to develop the science and technology of ultrasonic techniques to test the integrity of FRC components, both as an aid to process development and for the quality assurance of formed components. It will focus on the detection and characterisation of (i) microscopic porosity which reduces material shear strength, and (ii) anomalies in the lay-up of reinforcing fibres such as in plane and out of plane waviness. The results of the study will be integrated into an advanced instrumentation platform which will be available for use by airframe manufacturers." . . "2006-08-01" . "2009-07-31" . "No" . . "338865.53"^^ . "EP/D06984X/1" . "Announced" . . "Advanced Ultrasonic NDE of Composite Airframe Components: Physics, Modelling and Technology." . . . . . . "The goal of tissue engineers is to grow functional tissues and organs in the laboratory to replace those which have become defective through age, trauma, and disease, and which can be used in drug screening applications. To achieve this goal, tissue engineers aim to control accurately the biomechanical and biochemical environment of the growing tissue construct, in order to engineer tissues with the desired properties. A common approach is to place a porous biomaterial scaffold, seeded with cells, in a flow perfusion bioreactor. Perfusion bioreactors offer the potential for enhanced mass transfer to the construct (overcoming diffusion limitations encountered in static culture environments). Furthermore, such bioreactors are increasingly being used to provide mechanical loads to mechanosensitive tissues which accelerates tissue formation in vitro, thus minimising production time. \r\rWhen determining the optimum stimulatory environment required to generate in vitro a tissue construct that remains functional for significant periods of time, tissue engineers typically adopt a reductionist experimental approach in which attention is focused on a component part of the system. However, the system is more than the sum of its parts, and the challenge lies in det" . "The goal of tissue engineers is to grow functional tissues and organs in the laboratory to replace those which have become defective through age, trauma, and disease, and which can be used in drug screening applications. To achieve this goal, tissue engineers aim to control accurately the biomechanical and biochemical environment of the growing tissue construct, in order to engineer tissues with the desired properties. A common approach is to place a porous biomaterial scaffold, seeded with cells, in a flow perfusion bioreactor. Perfusion bioreactors offer the potential for enhanced mass transfer to the construct (overcoming diffusion limitations encountered in static culture environments). Furthermore, such bioreactors are increasingly being used to provide mechanical loads to mechanosensitive tissues which accelerates tissue formation in vitro, thus minimising production time. \r\rWhen determining the optimum stimulatory environment required to generate in vitro a tissue construct that remains functional for significant periods of time, tissue engineers typically adopt a reductionist experimental approach in which attention is focused on a component part of the system. However, the system is more than the sum of its parts, and the challenge lies in determining how all the components interact. Mathematical modelling has a central role to play in elucidating the mechanisms underlying the complex fluid-tissue interactions in such perfusion systems.\r\rThe proposed research will formulate and solve novel mathematical models to provide fundamental insights into the role of the fluid flow in ensuring adequate substrate delivery to the biologically active porous medium, and optimising the stress field felt by the mechanosensitive tissue. This is a challenging mathematical problem as the biological system is highly complex involving numerous mechanical and chemical interactions between mixed cell populations in spatially and temporally evolving domains. A feature of the research will be continual dialogue with internationally-leading experimental researchers; this will facilitate the calibration, verification and refinement of the theoretical models, and enable theoretical predictions to be experimentally tested." . . "2006-10-01" . "2007-09-30" . "No" . . "374449.63"^^ . "EP/D070635/1" . "Announced" . . "New mathematical models for perfusion bioreactors in tissue engineering" . . . . . . "The goal of tissue engineers is to grow functional tissues and organs in the laboratory to replace those which have become defective through age, trauma, and disease, and which can be used in drug screening applications. To achieve this goal, tissue engineers aim to control accurately the biomechanical and biochemical environment of the growing tissue construct, in order to engineer tissues with the desired properties. A common approach is to place a porous biomaterial scaffold, seeded with cells, in a flow perfusion bioreactor. Perfusion bioreactors offer the potential for enhanced mass transfer to the construct (overcoming diffusion limitations encountered in static culture environments). Furthermore, such bioreactors are increasingly being used to provide mechanical loads to mechanosensitive tissues which accelerates tissue formation in vitro, thus minimising production time. \r\rWhen determining the optimum stimulatory environment required to generate in vitro a tissue construct that remains functional for significant periods of time, tissue engineers typically adopt a reductionist experimental approach in which attention is focused on a component part of the system. However, the system is more than the sum of its parts, and the challenge lies in determining how all the components interact. Mathematical modelling has a central role to play in elucidating the mechanisms underlying the complex fluid-tissue interactions in such perfusion systems.\r\rThe proposed research will formulate and solve novel mathematical models to provide fundamental insights into the role of the fluid flow in ensuring adequate substrate delivery to the biologically active porous medium, and optimising the stress field felt by the mechanosensitive tissue. This is a challenging mathematical problem as the biological system is highly complex involving numerous mechanical and chemical interactions between mixed cell populations in spatially and temporally evolving domains. A feature of the research will be continual dialogue with internationally-leading experimental researchers; this will facilitate the calibration, verification and refinement of the theoretical models, and enable theoretical predictions to be experimentally tested." . "The goal of tissue engineers is to grow functional tissues and organs in the laboratory to replace those which have become defective through age, trauma, and disease, and which can be used in drug screening applications. To achieve this goal, tissue engineers aim to control accurately the biomechanical and biochemical environment of the growing tissue construct, in order to engineer tissues with the desired properties. A common approach is to place a porous biomaterial scaffold, seeded with cells, in a flow perfusion bioreactor. Perfusion bioreactors offer the potential for enhanced mass transfer to the construct (overcoming diffusion limitations encountered in static culture environments). Furthermore, such bioreactors are increasingly being used to provide mechanical loads to mechanosensitive tissues which accelerates tissue formation in vitro, thus minimising production time. \r\rWhen determining the optimum stimulatory environment required to generate in vitro a tissue construct that remains functional for significant periods of time, tissue engineers typically adopt a reductionist experimental approach in which attention is focused on a component part of the system. However, the system is more than the sum of its parts, and the challenge lies in det" . . "2007-10-01" . "2011-09-30" . "Yes" . . "307726.08"^^ . "EP/D070635/2" . "Announced" . . "New mathematical models for perfusion bioreactors in tissue engineering" . . . . . . "Tissue engineering involves the replacement, repair and regeneration of diseased or degenerative tissues in the human body. Currently scaffolds made of hydroxyapatite are used to replace bone, and scaffolds made of collagen are commonly used to replace soft tissues. These scafolds may be chemically active to encourge appropriate cell growth. Many soft tissues also contain molecules such known as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are water liking or binding molecules. These molecules may be linked to proteins to form proteoglycans which often act to lubricate interfaces and facilitate relative tissue movements. They have also been shown to fulfil important biological functions. Peptides are small chains of amino acids which can be synthesised to form self-assembling peptides which form long chains and complex structures which can mimic collagen-like molecules. The aims of this speculative research project are to explore the potential for linking GAGs to self-assembling peptides, to make them behave like proteoglycans and study the self-assembly of GAG-functionalised peptides" . . "2007-01-15" . "2010-07-14" . "Yes" . . "437892.13"^^ . "EP/D070791/1" . "Announced" . . "Self assembly of GAG-Functionalised Peptides into Proteoglycan-Like Molecules for Tissue Engineering" . . . . . . "A nanoparticle is an ensemble of molecules or atoms with a diameter 10,000 - 100,000 times than a human hair. A core-shell nanoparticle is a particular class of nanoparticle with a core and shell layer(s). Core-shell nanoparticles constitute a class of composite materials that can show optical, electrical, surface chemical and catalytic properties that are totally different from either the pure core or shell materials. Their properties can be altered by changing the thickness of the shell or core-to-shell ratio. \r\rConventional nanoparticle synthesis methods divide into 'wet' methods and gas-phase methods. Both methods have their limitations. Core-shell nanoparticles can be grown with both of the conventional methods, but there are severe limitations on the core and shell materials and in many cases there are difficulties in obtained well-defined core and shell layers. To circumvent these difficulties, we propose a new method that would allow almost complete control of the layer-by-layer growth of core-shell nanoparticles. \r\rThis proposal seeks to develop a new and highly versatile technique in which the growth solvent consists of micron-sized superfluid liquid helium droplets. This technique offers enormous and revolutionary possibilities in nanochemistry" . "A nanoparticle is an ensemble of molecules or atoms with a diameter 10,000 - 100,000 times than a human hair. A core-shell nanoparticle is a particular class of nanoparticle with a core and shell layer(s). Core-shell nanoparticles constitute a class of composite materials that can show optical, electrical, surface chemical and catalytic properties that are totally different from either the pure core or shell materials. Their properties can be altered by changing the thickness of the shell or core-to-shell ratio. \r\rConventional nanoparticle synthesis methods divide into 'wet' methods and gas-phase methods. Both methods have their limitations. Core-shell nanoparticles can be grown with both of the conventional methods, but there are severe limitations on the core and shell materials and in many cases there are difficulties in obtained well-defined core and shell layers. To circumvent these difficulties, we propose a new method that would allow almost complete control of the layer-by-layer growth of core-shell nanoparticles. \r\rThis proposal seeks to develop a new and highly versatile technique in which the growth solvent consists of micron-sized superfluid liquid helium droplets. This technique offers enormous and revolutionary possibilities in nanochemistry and the purpose of this proposal is to develop a unique research programme to investigate these possibilities. \r\rThe scope of this work is vast, but the aim here will be to demonstrate the possibilities by focusing on certain selected classes of nanoparticles, many with one or more potential applications. In addition to the applications, entirely novel core-shell nanoparticles can be grown which could not be produced by any other technique. Although this work is proof-of-concept research, it represents an exciting combination of fundamental science with a potentially very wide array of applications." . . "2006-07-01" . "2011-06-30" . "Yes" . . "419633.91"^^ . "EP/D071402/1" . "Announced" . . "A new frontier in nanochemistry: formation of novel core-shell nanoparticles using liquid helium droplets" . . . . . . "Small solid particles (1000 times smaller than a pinhead) have various applications as fillers and stabilisers in a range of industrial products and as building blocks of different materials and devices used in optics and electronics. Many of their applications utilise the ability of these particles to stay firmly attached to oil-water interfaces, thus forming particle monolayers. Interfacial particles are partially immersed in both liquids. The water liking particles (called hydrophilic) are largely immersed in the water, while the oil liking ones (called hydrophobic) are mainly immersed in the oil. It was found recently that the behaviour of hydrophilic and hydrophobic particles at the oil-water interface is very different. Hydrophilic particles attract each other making particle rafts. In contrast, the hydrophobic particles strongly repel each other and stay well separated at large distances in ordered arrays. It has been shown that the repulsion between hydrophobic particles is caused by electric charges at their surface in contact with the oil. However, the important questions about the origin of these charges and how they depend on the chemical nature of particles and oil are still open. The situation became even more puzzling after very recent find" . "Small solid particles (1000 times smaller than a pinhead) have various applications as fillers and stabilisers in a range of industrial products and as building blocks of different materials and devices used in optics and electronics. Many of their applications utilise the ability of these particles to stay firmly attached to oil-water interfaces, thus forming particle monolayers. Interfacial particles are partially immersed in both liquids. The water liking particles (called hydrophilic) are largely immersed in the water, while the oil liking ones (called hydrophobic) are mainly immersed in the oil. It was found recently that the behaviour of hydrophilic and hydrophobic particles at the oil-water interface is very different. Hydrophilic particles attract each other making particle rafts. In contrast, the hydrophobic particles strongly repel each other and stay well separated at large distances in ordered arrays. It has been shown that the repulsion between hydrophobic particles is caused by electric charges at their surface in contact with the oil. However, the important questions about the origin of these charges and how they depend on the chemical nature of particles and oil are still open. The situation became even more puzzling after very recent findings which suggested that the same electric charges might be responsible for long range particle attraction. In addition, strange selective attraction between hydrophobic and hydrophilic particles has been observed in their mixed monolayers. Hence, many aspects of the interactions between particles at oil-water interfaces are still controversial and puzzling. One of our aims in this research is to investigate the interactions between solid particles at oil- water interfaces in order to reveal the factors and mechanisms responsible for the surface charge at the particle-oil interface. To clarify these aspects is of significant scientific and practical importance.\rSolid particles can also attach to the surface of droplets when oil, water and particles are stirred together. The obtained particle-stabilised emulsion can be extremely stable (for years!) because particle armoured droplets cannot merge. This is their best asset which makes these emulsions useful for preparation of durable cosmetics and other products. However, we will not focus on this traditional application of particle-stabilised emulsions. Instead, we will use them as a tool to develop methods for fabrication of novel materials and devices with interesting and useful properties. Our research" . . "2006-10-01" . "2011-09-30" . "Yes" . . "477105.15"^^ . "EP/D07214X/1" . "Announced" . . "Colloidal Particles at Fluid Interfaces: Interactions and Applications for Novel Materials and Microfluidic Devices" . . . . . . "The philosophy of this proposal is to bring together careful, focused basic studies with development actions to try to provide stepchange advances in Energy technology that have realistic possibility to be implemented in Industrial Development. The focus has been well informed by involvement in the Strategic Research Agenda of the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Platform. Our objective is to provide some of the solutions necessary to bring to fruition a vision of the new energy economy as stated below. We prefer not to follow the nuclear option; however, this only makes sense if renewable and clean energy technologies can demonstrate fairly soon that there does exist a viable non-nuclear solution, as we cannot leave Nuclear Technology on standby for very much longer, lest we lose capability. This is perhaps the gauntlet that the UK government Energy White Paper threw down for our clean Energy Community.\rBy 2050 cheap oil will no longer be available and Europe's internal reserves will be exhausted. An increasing proportion of primary energy production will be from renewables such as solar, wind, tidal and biomass possibly supplemented by nuclear, natural gas and coal. We must rely on new energy carriers such as hydrogen, biogas or synfuels and liqui" . "The philosophy of this proposal is to bring together careful, focused basic studies with development actions to try to provide stepchange advances in Energy technology that have realistic possibility to be implemented in Industrial Development. The focus has been well informed by involvement in the Strategic Research Agenda of the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Platform. Our objective is to provide some of the solutions necessary to bring to fruition a vision of the new energy economy as stated below. We prefer not to follow the nuclear option; however, this only makes sense if renewable and clean energy technologies can demonstrate fairly soon that there does exist a viable non-nuclear solution, as we cannot leave Nuclear Technology on standby for very much longer, lest we lose capability. This is perhaps the gauntlet that the UK government Energy White Paper threw down for our clean Energy Community.\rBy 2050 cheap oil will no longer be available and Europe's internal reserves will be exhausted. An increasing proportion of primary energy production will be from renewables such as solar, wind, tidal and biomass possibly supplemented by nuclear, natural gas and coal. We must rely on new energy carriers such as hydrogen, biogas or synfuels and liquid biofuels. These carriers will complement electricity as energy vectors, enabling some degree of energy efficiency optimisation, both on a local and a larger scale. A decentralised electricity generation infrastructure powered by a broad spectrum of renewable and clean technologies with a strong fuel cell component will have been created. The power network will largely be based upon self-contained nodes, each consisting of renewable and/or fuel cell systems. The advantages of this decentralised system arise from lower transmission losses, higher total energy efficiency and improved energy security. These nodes will be supported by a high value network powered by advanced thermal or nuclear systems, hydropower, buffered wind power and fuel cell systems. \rOur role is to develop high temperature electrochemical technologies to enable the efficient introduction of this new energy economy. Our early work will seek to optimise current fuel cell technology improving durability and stability and reducing cost of manufacture to enable widespread introduction. We will develop new anode formulations to enable efficient utilisation of more complex fuels, ranging from natural gas and LPG through biogas to liquid biofuels and biomass. Efficient utilisation of" . . "2006-09-01" . "2011-08-31" . "Yes" . . "534781.13"^^ . "EP/D07259X/1" . "Announced" . . "Fuelling The Future : From Materials Science To New Energy Conversion Systems" . . . . . . "The aim of this Fellowship is to research and develop tissue-engineered chordae tendineae and leaflets for mitral valve reconstruction in the heart. Mitral valve stenosis and mitral valve regurgitation are the most significant and frequent causes of valve dysfunction in the mitral position in the heart. Regardless of the nature (acquired or congenital) and underlying cause of mitral valve dysfunction, a number of common changes occur in the valve components. These include deformation, tethering, tissue thickening and/or calcification, fusion, retraction, stretching, dilatation, or rupture. Conventional therapies for mitral valve dysfunction most frequently focus on the repair or replacement of the valve. Mitral valve repair is the gold standard for mitral valve dysfunction and usually employs synthetic biomaterials or chemically treated tissue, such as pericardium, taken from donors. Both approaches only deliver inert or biocompatible material solutions that cannot regenerate or grow with the patient, and may, subsequently calcify, become rigid and eventually degenerate. Ideally, surgeons would prefer tissue taken from the patient (autologous), since it will retain viability and regenerate. In most cases, however, autologous tissue is not available, and e" . "The aim of this Fellowship is to research and develop tissue-engineered chordae tendineae and leaflets for mitral valve reconstruction in the heart. Mitral valve stenosis and mitral valve regurgitation are the most significant and frequent causes of valve dysfunction in the mitral position in the heart. Regardless of the nature (acquired or congenital) and underlying cause of mitral valve dysfunction, a number of common changes occur in the valve components. These include deformation, tethering, tissue thickening and/or calcification, fusion, retraction, stretching, dilatation, or rupture. Conventional therapies for mitral valve dysfunction most frequently focus on the repair or replacement of the valve. Mitral valve repair is the gold standard for mitral valve dysfunction and usually employs synthetic biomaterials or chemically treated tissue, such as pericardium, taken from donors. Both approaches only deliver inert or biocompatible material solutions that cannot regenerate or grow with the patient, and may, subsequently calcify, become rigid and eventually degenerate. Ideally, surgeons would prefer tissue taken from the patient (autologous), since it will retain viability and regenerate. In most cases, however, autologous tissue is not available, and even if it is available, this is not an ideal solution. Functional tissue engineering (FTE) is an attractive alternative, which employs scaffolds repopulated with appropriate cells taken from the indented patient, and physically conditioned in the laboratory with a view to producing viable replacement tissues with appropriate functionality prior to implantation, which will have the potential to regenerate in the patient. The intention of this multidisciplinary project is to develop and evaluate FTE simulation systems that will deliver dynamic cell culture conditions to appropriate natural tissue matrices repopulated with cells, to investigate how the biomechanical and biochemical environment can direct the development of mitral tissue-equivalents in the laboratory. The approach of this Fellowship to tissue engineering of the mitral valve involves the use of tissue matrices of both human and porcine origin that have been treated to remove the immunogenic cells, reseeded with the patient's own cells and physically conditioned in the laboratory, in order to produce biological and biomechanical functionality of the graft prior to implantation. This will create an immediate regeneration potential in response to the cyclic loading in the body. The use of decellu" . . "2006-10-01" . "2011-09-30" . "Yes" . . "455910.74"^^ . "EP/D073618/1" . "Announced" . . "Guided Functional Re-engineering of the Mitral Valve" . . . . . . "There is growing evidence that our increasing consumption of fossil fuels is leading to a change in climate. Such predictions have brought new urgency to the development of clean, renewable sources of energy that will permit the current level of world economic growth to continue without damage to our ecosystem. Photovoltaic cells based on organic or organic/inorganic hybrid materials have shown rapid improvements over the past decade, comparing favourably with existing inorganic semiconductor technology on energy, scalability and cost associated with manufacture. The most promising materials for organic or hybrid photovoltaics are based on blends of two components at whose interface light-generated excitations dissociate into charges contributing to a photocurrent. Blend morphology on the meso-scale plays a crucial role in these systems, with efficient photovoltaic operation requiring both large interfacial area and existence of carrier percolation paths to the electrodes. The proposed work will establish how both aims can be achieved, using a powerful new combination of non-contact femtosecond time-resolved techniques to examine a range of novel mesoscopic blends. This methodology will allow the simultaneous examination of exciton diffusion and dissociation, charge-carrier generation, recombination and conductivity, providing direct clues to the optimisation of materials for photovoltaics. Collaborations with researchers working on making photovoltaic devices will ensure that knowledge gained from these non-contact material probes will directly feed into enhancing device performance. This combined approach will allow the UK's exceptionally high expertise in the area of organic electronics to contribute effectively to its current goal of reducing harmful greenhouse gas emission." . "There is growing evidence that our increasing consumption of fossil fuels is leading to a change in climate. Such predictions have brought new urgency to the development of clean, renewable sources of energy that will permit the current level of world economic growth to continue without damage to our ecosystem. Photovoltaic cells based on organic or organic/inorganic hybrid materials have shown rapid improvements over the past decade, comparing favourably with existing inorganic semiconductor technology on energy, scalability and cost associated with manufacture. The most promising materials for organic or hybrid photovoltaics are based on blends of two components at whose interface light-generated excitations dissociate into charges contributing to a photocurrent. Blend morphology on the meso-scale plays a crucial role in these systems, with efficient photovoltaic operation requiring both large interfacial area and existence of carrier percolation paths to the electrodes. The proposed work will establish how both aims can be achieved, using a powerful new combination of non-contact femtosecond time-resolved techniques to examine a range of novel mesoscopic blends. This methodology will allow the simultaneous examination of exciton diffusion and dissocia" . . . "2006-10-01" . "2012-03-31" . "Yes" . . "800424.57"^^ . "EP/D073766/1" . "Announced" . . "Femtosecond Optical Probes of Mesoscopic Materials for Photovoltaics" . . . . . . "Communication Networks form the basis of our modern information age providing efficient transfer of information around the globe. Communications networks are akin to the transportation system where optical fibres form the roads and network nodes are equivalent to the traffic light controlled junctions. Optical fibre technology has revolutionised networks by providing high capacity point-to-point links - the autobahns of the transportation system. However these are currently still interconnected with nodes based on limited speed electronic processing which become bottlenecks in the system. The solution to this problem is to introduce high capacity optical processing into the network to replace the current electronic processing. This will result in a flexible network that is able to respond (dynamically) to changes in traffic and demand. It will be more scalable as the nodes only have to deal with traffic destined for that node, all other traffic is bypassed in the optical domain.\r\rThe two major obstacles to implementing the required dynamic optical networks are the management of the optical signal distortions that arise in these networks and implementation of efficient optical switches. Signal distortions that lead to errors are more problematic in dynamic optical networks because the signal remains in the optical domain, accumulating distortions and noise throughout the optical network. This is in contrast to current networks where the signal is converted to the electronic domain at every node for processing and error correction before re-transmission. Additionally in a dynamic optical network these distortions depend on the route that the signal takes through the network. In order to ensure error free transmission of the optical signals it is necessary to periodically correct for these distortions in the optical domain using a technique known as optical regeneration. Optical switches are used to control the routing of information in the optical domain through the network in order to ensure it reaches the intended destination without the need for conversion into the electronic domain.\r\rAll optical processing technologies, specifically optical regeneration and the ability to change the wavelength of the optical signal (tunable wavelength conversion), can be used to compensate for the distortion and implement optical switching. In this proposal I consider both functionalities as the particular implementation exploits the same physical processes in nonlinear optical devices. The major aim of this fellowship" . "Communication Networks form the basis of our modern information age providing efficient transfer of information around the globe. Communications networks are akin to the transportation system where optical fibres form the roads and network nodes are equivalent to the traffic light controlled junctions. Optical fibre technology has revolutionised networks by providing high capacity point-to-point links - the autobahns of the transportation system. However these are currently still interconnected with nodes based on limited speed electronic processing which become bottlenecks in the system. The solution to this problem is to introduce high capacity optical processing into the network to replace the current electronic processing. This will result in a flexible network that is able to respond (dynamically) to changes in traffic and demand. It will be more scalable as the nodes only have to deal with traffic destined for that node, all other traffic is bypassed in the optical domain.\r\rThe two major obstacles to implementing the required dynamic optical networks are the management of the optical signal distortions that arise in these networks and implementation of efficient optical switches. Signal distortions that lead to errors are more problematic in dynamic" . . "2006-10-01" . "2011-09-30" . "Yes" . . "559017.17"^^ . "EP/D074088/1" . "Announced" . . "Optical signal processing in future broadband dynamic optical networks" . . . . . . "This proposal is to develop new routes to rationally designed Enzyme Responsive Materials (ERMs) for biomedical applications. These materials can change properties, for example they can swell/collapse or change from a solution to a gel in response to biochemical reactions. These materials may have applications in the controlled release of drugs in response to disease specific enzymes. They may also be used in triggered assembly of matrixes for cell growth, with applications in tissue engineering. The outcomes of this project will be (i) the development and full characterisation of new interactive biomaterials, (ii) increased fundamental understanding of structure/function relationships in molecular hydrogels, (iii) proof of concept applications in enzyme triggered assembly of scaffolds for 3D cell culture and (iv) enzyme triggered drug delivery." . . "2006-08-01" . "2008-08-31" . "No" . . "649958.39"^^ . "EP/D07410X/1" . "Announced" . . "Enzyme Responsive Materials for Biology and Medicine" . . . . . . "This proposal is to develop new routes to rationally designed Enzyme Responsive Materials (ERMs) for biomedical applications. These materials can change properties, for example they can swell/collapse or change from a solution to a gel in response to biochemical reactions. These materials may have applications in the controlled release of drugs in response to disease specific enzymes. They may also be used in triggered assembly of matrixes for cell growth, with applications in tissue engineering. The outcomes of this project will be (i) the development and full characterisation of new interactive biomaterials, (ii) increased fundamental understanding of structure/function relationships in molecular hydrogels, (iii) proof of concept applications in enzyme triggered assembly of scaffolds for 3D cell culture and (iv) enzyme triggered drug delivery." . . "2008-09-01" . "2011-07-31" . "Yes" . . "366971.99"^^ . "EP/D07410X/2" . "Announced" . . "Enzyme Responsive Materials for Biology and Medicine" . . . . . . "The creation of new polymeric materials is the focus of synthetic organic polymer chemists. The synthetic routes employed normally by polymer chemists to generate high molecular weight polymeric materials involves coupling together low molecular weight materials that are referred to as 'monomers' via chemical bond formation processes. The resultant polymeric materials are used in all aspects of modern life, ranging from paints to lightweight aerospace components. \rPolymeric materials are exposed consistently to a wide range of environmental stresses, including chemical, electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal processes, that result in the degradation of material properties / polymer fatigue is a significant problem in structural and coating materials. Fatigue in plastics occurs commonly as a result of the formation and propagation of cracks, which can occur as a consequence of continuous or cyclic stress on the material. It has been proposed that this process starts at the microscopic level with formation of microvoids, which appear as a result of repeated mechanical stress on the material. These microvoids expand and combine into microcracks that lead subsequently to the onset of macroscopic crack formation and ultimate failure of the material. Conventional crack healing of a fractured polymer can be achieved by either heating the polymer, treating it with solvents or simple filling in the cracks. However, it is observed commonly that the repaired material does not offer the original strength or properties.\rNumerous weak interactions between polymer molecules play an important role in determining the properties of a polymeric material. However, only in recent times have these weak interactions been used specifically to create new materials. The term 'supramolecular polymer' has been used to describe materials of this type. Nature utilises weak intermolecular interactions extensively to create precise polymeric arrays - biopolymers such as DNA and proteins are notable examples of supramolecular polymer. \r'Supramolecular polymerization' describes a process in which monomers assemble via the use of numerous weak interactions to generate a stable physically robust polymeric aggregate (an analogous process is the construction of large toy structures from small Lego(registered trademark) building blocks). From a mechanical point of view what makes supramolecular polymers different from more conventional polymer materials is their dynamic nature and thus they possess unusual thermomechanical properties.\rAs part" . "The creation of new polymeric materials is the focus of synthetic organic polymer chemists. The synthetic routes employed normally by polymer chemists to generate high molecular weight polymeric materials involves coupling together low molecular weight materials that are referred to as 'monomers' via chemical bond formation processes. The resultant polymeric materials are used in all aspects of modern life, ranging from paints to lightweight aerospace components. \rPolymeric materials are exposed consistently to a wide range of environmental stresses, including chemical, electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal processes, that result in the degradation of material properties / polymer fatigue is a significant problem in structural and coating materials. Fatigue in plastics occurs commonly as a result of the formation and propagation of cracks, which can occur as a consequence of continuous or cyclic stress on the material. It has been proposed that this process starts at the microscopic level with formation of microvoids, which appear as a result of repeated mechanical stress on the material. These microvoids expand and combine into microcracks that lead subsequently to the onset of macroscopic crack formation and ultimate failure of the material. Conventio" . . "2006-10-01" . "2010-03-31" . "Yes" . . "346188.62"^^ . "EP/D074347/1" . "Announced" . . "NSF: Healing polymers: A self-assembly approach" . . . . . . "The efficacy of drug therapies can be increased immensely by precise control of the location and rate of the drug release. One way to control drug delivery is to store the active agent in a porous material, or a matrix, which would slowly release the medicine through its pores. This can be useful in sustaining the desired level of a medicine in the body over an extended period of time for a range of conditions such as diabetes and some forms of cancer. This approach can be even further improved if there was a way to prepare porous materials which would selectively and strongly bind the desired drug molecules, making the release time even longer. \r\rAn exciting recent idea is that we can use new types of polymers for this purpose. These polymers are prepared by mixing monomers and the second component, called template. After polymerization, where monomers link with each other, the template is removed, creating cavities and channels in the polymeric structure. Since the structure of the polymer forms around the template molecules (imprinting), it is possible that many of the cavities formed are of the shape that is complementary to template molecules, like lock and key, or hand and glove. Therefore, one can hypothesize that this material should recognize and bind template molecules. In fact, this ideology is borrowed from biological systems, where the geometrical (and interaction) match between two molecular objects is called molecular recognition and plays a vital part in many processes, including enzymes functions and genetic information replication! A number of world renowned groups (Peppas and Langer in the US, Pilevsky and Turner in the UK, Mosbach in Sweden) have been developing these new polymers with desired functions.\r\rAlthough simple in principle, this concept is difficult to implement for controlled drug delivery. The final structure should combine selectivity (so it binds only desired molecules) and at the same time be accessible, that is the drug molecules should be able to go in and out of the structure. This is a difficult compromise to achieve and the final result depends on many experimental variables, such as components structure and concentrations, temperature and so on. Moreover, it is not even clear what this compromise should be for controlled drug delivery applications.\r\rThis problem is tedious to investigate in experiments, considering a large number of possible factors. A more efficient approach is to construct a simplified model that imitates a real system and use a computer to cal" . "The efficacy of drug therapies can be increased immensely by precise control of the location and rate of the drug release. One way to control drug delivery is to store the active agent in a porous material, or a matrix, which would slowly release the medicine through its pores. This can be useful in sustaining the desired level of a medicine in the body over an extended period of time for a range of conditions such as diabetes and some forms of cancer. This approach can be even further improved if there was a way to prepare porous materials which would selectively and strongly bind the desired drug molecules, making the release time even longer. \r\rAn exciting recent idea is that we can use new types of polymers for this purpose. These polymers are prepared by mixing monomers and the second component, called template. After polymerization, where monomers link with each other, the template is removed, creating cavities and channels in the polymeric structure. Since the structure of the polymer forms around the template molecules (imprinting), it is possible that many of the cavities formed are of the shape that is complementary to template molecules, like lock and key, or hand and glove. Therefore, one can hypothesize that this material should recognize an" . . "2006-10-01" . "2009-09-30" . "Yes" . . "194457.62"^^ . "EP/D074762/1" . "Announced" . . "Rational design of new materials for controlled drug release applications" . . . . . . "Our aims are to develop new, improved materials and methods which will allow stem cells (mesenchymal; MSCs) to be manipulated to form bone tissue. We will do this using tiny (<100 nm; 1/1000 diameter human hair) calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite; HAP) particles as vectors to carry specific biological molecules to the cells. To maximize the delivery of these chemical and genetic signals, the whole cell surface of each individual cell will be covered with the vectors (3D coating). Specifically, this will allow us to produce and grow self supporting, living bone tissue, either inside the body at the site of damage, or outside in culture dishes ready for implant. More generally, the improved efficiency and cost effectiveness of this approach will also enhance studies in the generation of other tissue types from MSCs (e.g. nerve and muscle) and in modifying other types of stem cell.\r\rWhy mesenchymal stem cells?\rStem cells have huge potential as therapeutic agents. Embryonic stem cells (ESC) have the potential to form all the major types of cell in the body, and are relatively easy to grow in culture. However, there are ethical and compatibility concerns with there use. Adult stem cells (ASC) can be harvested from specific tissue types (blood, nerves, skin), bu" . "Our aims are to develop new, improved materials and methods which will allow stem cells (mesenchymal; MSCs) to be manipulated to form bone tissue. We will do this using tiny (<100 nm; 1/1000 diameter human hair) calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite; HAP) particles as vectors to carry specific biological molecules to the cells. To maximize the delivery of these chemical and genetic signals, the whole cell surface of each individual cell will be covered with the vectors (3D coating). Specifically, this will allow us to produce and grow self supporting, living bone tissue, either inside the body at the site of damage, or outside in culture dishes ready for implant. More generally, the improved efficiency and cost effectiveness of this approach will also enhance studies in the generation of other tissue types from MSCs (e.g. nerve and muscle) and in modifying other types of stem cell.\r\rWhy mesenchymal stem cells?\rStem cells have huge potential as therapeutic agents. Embryonic stem cells (ESC) have the potential to form all the major types of cell in the body, and are relatively easy to grow in culture. However, there are ethical and compatibility concerns with there use. Adult stem cells (ASC) can be harvested from specific tissue types (blood, nerves, skin), but the populations need to be expanded to get sufficient material for therapeutic use. In this regard, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) offer great hope for tissue engineering as methods for isolation and rapid cultivation are well established. They are natural precursors to bone, cartilage, fat and fibrous connective tissue formation. Thus they are already intensively studied as components of systems for replacing damaged bone tissues (e.g. restorative surgery). In addition the same person can be donor and recipient, thus alleviating the problems associated with ESCs.\r\rWhy small hydroxyapatite particles?\rHydroxyapatite is the chemical form of calcium phosphate found in bone, so it is compatible with the cells. The crystals of HAP in bone are also of a similar size (<100 nm). In addition, because the crystals are so small as well as coating the cell, some will be transported inside the cell. Thus the particles can be used to deliver information to the cell surface and interior.\r\rWhy chemical and genetic signals?\rThe key to using stem cells to regenerate tissue is the ability to persuade them to form the required type. There are two ways to manipulate these cells towards bone formation / direct genetic modification of the internal cell nucleus, or t" . . . "2006-10-01" . "2009-09-30" . "Yes" . . "138274.4"^^ . "EP/D075327/1" . "Announced" . . "Cell Modification in 3D: a new Paradigm in the Creation of Living Cell-Biomaterial Composites" . . . . . . "The prime aspiration of molecular nanoelectronics is to fabricate and interconnect molecules that can replace, or at least augment, present silicon based technology, with the molecules functioning as interconnects, switches, transistors or even logic gates. Clearly big challenges exist if such technologies are ever to reach fruition. In this respect, one of the key scientific challenges is to synthesise and reliably connect single molecular wires which can transport charge over long distance and also perform other functions such as rectifying current or storing charge. This proposal is aimed at synthesising extended molecular wires from a class of molecules called porphyrins, whose synthesis and functionalisation is the focus of the Oxford group. These electrical properties of these well-characterised molecules will be investigated at Cardiff and Liverpool, particularly their efficiency as molecular wires, their contacts with metal electrodes and their potential for electrochemical control in devices. The porphyrin wires to be synthesised are conjugated, stiff and contain sites where charge can be localised. Other key attributes include lengths greater than 10 nm, remarkable stability, their ability to bind a wide range of metal ions and their capacity" . "The prime aspiration of molecular nanoelectronics is to fabricate and interconnect molecules that can replace, or at least augment, present silicon based technology, with the molecules functioning as interconnects, switches, transistors or even logic gates. Clearly big challenges exist if such technologies are ever to reach fruition. In this respect, one of the key scientific challenges is to synthesise and reliably connect single molecular wires which can transport charge over long distance and also perform other functions such as rectifying current or storing charge. This proposal is aimed at synthesising extended molecular wires from a class of molecules called porphyrins, whose synthesis and functionalisation is the focus of the Oxford group. These electrical properties of these well-characterised molecules will be investigated at Cardiff and Liverpool, particularly their efficiency as molecular wires, their contacts with metal electrodes and their potential for electrochemical control in devices. The porphyrin wires to be synthesised are conjugated, stiff and contain sites where charge can be localised. Other key attributes include lengths greater than 10 nm, remarkable stability, their ability to bind a wide range of metal ions and their capacity to be tuned with electrochemistry or photochemistry. It is expected that their attributes will allow them to conduct electrons over long distances. Their redox activity and ability to support pendent molecular groups will in turn provide avenues for current rectification, switching or charge storage. \r\rThe investigations of the electrical properties of these porphyrin wires will require us to wire-up single molecules. This is clearly a big experimental challenge but the Liverpool group has recently developed new techniques using the scanning tunnelling microscope which makes this procedure more straightforward and reliable. These techniques will provide robust chemical contact of the single porphyrin molecules at both ends to metallic contacts. The role of the molecule/metal contact remains one of the most poorly understood and yet extremely important aspects of single molecule electronics. We will systematically investigate these contact effects through the use of several differing chemical groups for binding to the metal electrodes and complementary determination of the lineup of energy levels between the metal and the molecule. Although most of the electrical characterisation will be performed with two metal contacts at either end of the wire, in the" . . "2007-03-01" . "2010-05-31" . "Yes" . . "326998.13"^^ . "EP/D076072/1" . "Announced" . . "Porphyrin single molecule wires for nanoelectronics" . . . . . . "Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) is an automatic identification method, allowing remote retrieval of identification codes from devices called RFID tags or transponders. An RFID tag is a small object, requiring no internal power source that can be attached to or incorporated into a product, animal, or person. These tags contain antennae that respond to prompts from an RFID transceiver by emitting a radio signal that codes for a unique ID. Recent progress in RFID technology has led to the miniaturization of such tags to sub-millimetre dimensions. These microtransponders, once activated by a well localised beam of light, emit a radio frequency identification code. The miniaturization of these tags, as well as their ultra light weight and low price, now permit the use of RFID for insect identification. To make the most of these new possibilities, we will use the RFID system to investigate social insects.\r\rThe behaviour of ant colonies is extremely complex and includes collective phenomena like nest building, decision making and partitioning of the work force (division of labour). This colony scale activity is not the consequence of some central control but rather emerges from the actions of individual ants as each of them reacts to her immediate environment. The mechanisms in which diverse colony scale behaviours emerge from single ant actions have been extensively studied. We will develop a novel experimental setup incorporating RFID technology that will enable us continuously to track a large number of identified ants as they collaborate. This novel experimental tool will provide simultaneous experimental access at both the colony level and the level of individual ants. This will facilitate new insights and a deeper understanding of the connection between individual and collective behaviour in social insects.\r\rWe intend to focus on the problem of 'division of labour', namely how an ant colony divides its work force among the different required tasks in response to changing external and internal conditions. The system we propose would allow the tracking, over time, of the ants engaged in different tasks as well as the ants that switch between tasks to maintain colony plasticity. In a second stage of the experiments, we will employ automatic computer controlled doors that would enable us, for example, to prevent specific ants from switching tasks. We will use these novel tools to investigate the role of different individuals and their importance to colony performance. We will focus our study on the impor" . "Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) is an automatic identification method, allowing remote retrieval of identification codes from devices called RFID tags or transponders. An RFID tag is a small object, requiring no internal power source that can be attached to or incorporated into a product, animal, or person. These tags contain antennae that respond to prompts from an RFID transceiver by emitting a radio signal that codes for a unique ID. Recent progress in RFID technology has led to the miniaturization of such tags to sub-millimetre dimensions. These microtransponders, once activated by a well localised beam of light, emit a radio frequency identification code. The miniaturization of these tags, as well as their ultra light weight and low price, now permit the use of RFID for insect identification. To make the most of these new possibilities, we will use the RFID system to investigate social insects.\r\rThe behaviour of ant colonies is extremely complex and includes collective phenomena like nest building, decision making and partitioning of the work force (division of labour). This colony scale activity is not the consequence of some central control but rather emerges from the actions of individual ants as each of them reacts to her immediate environm" . . "2007-01-01" . "2009-12-31" . "Yes" . . "245909.22"^^ . "EP/D076226/1" . "Announced" . . "Radio frequency identification and tracking of individual ants engaged in colony scale division of labour" . . . . . . "The prime aspiration of molecular nanoelectronics is to fabricate and interconnect molecules that can replace, or at least augment, present silicon based technology, with the molecules functioning as interconnects, switches, transistors or even logic gates. Clearly big challenges exist if such technologies are ever to reach fruition. In this respect, one of the key scientific challenges is to synthesise and reliably connect single molecular wires which can transport charge over long distance and also perform other functions such as rectifying current or storing charge. This proposal is aimed at synthesising extended molecular wires from a class of molecules called porphyrins, whose synthesis and functionalisation is the focus of the Oxford group. The electrical properties of these well-characterised molecules will be investigated at Cardiff and Liverpool, particularly their efficiency as molecular wires, their contacts with metal electrodes and their potential for electrochemical control in devices. The porphyrin wires to be synthesised are conjugated, stiff and contain sites where charge can be localised. Other key attributes include lengths greater than 10 nm, remarkable stability, their ability to bind a wide range of metal ions and their capacity to" . "The prime aspiration of molecular nanoelectronics is to fabricate and interconnect molecules that can replace, or at least augment, present silicon based technology, with the molecules functioning as interconnects, switches, transistors or even logic gates. Clearly big challenges exist if such technologies are ever to reach fruition. In this respect, one of the key scientific challenges is to synthesise and reliably connect single molecular wires which can transport charge over long distance and also perform other functions such as rectifying current or storing charge. This proposal is aimed at synthesising extended molecular wires from a class of molecules called porphyrins, whose synthesis and functionalisation is the focus of the Oxford group. The electrical properties of these well-characterised molecules will be investigated at Cardiff and Liverpool, particularly their efficiency as molecular wires, their contacts with metal electrodes and their potential for electrochemical control in devices. The porphyrin wires to be synthesised are conjugated, stiff and contain sites where charge can be localised. Other key attributes include lengths greater than 10 nm, remarkable stability, their ability to bind a wide range of metal ions and their capacity to be tuned with electrochemistry or photochemistry. It is expected that their attributes will allow them to conduct electrons over long distances. Their redox activity and ability to support pendent molecular groups will in turn provide avenues for current rectification, switching or charge storage. \r\r\rThe investigation of the electrical properties of these porphyrin wires will require us to wire-up single molecules. This is clearly a big experimental challenge but the Liverpool group has recently developed new techniques using the scanning tunnelling microscope which makes this procedure more straightforward and reliable. These techniques will provide robust chemical contact of the single porphyrin molecules at both ends to metallic contacts. The role of the molecule/metal contact remains one of the most poorly understood and yet extremely important aspects of single molecule electronics. We will systematically investigate these contact effects through the use of several differing chemical groups for binding to the metal electrodes and complementary determination of the lineup of energy levels between the metal and the molecule. Although most of the electrical characterisation will be performed with two metal contacts at either end of the wire, in the l" . . "2006-11-01" . "2010-01-31" . "Yes" . . "322871.7"^^ . "EP/D076552/1" . "Announced" . . "Porphyrin single molecule wires for nanoelectronics" . . . . . . "The prime aspiration of molecular nanoelectronics is to fabricate and interconnect molecules that can replace, or at least augment, present silicon based technology, with the molecules functioning as interconnects, switches, transistors or even logic gates. Clearly big challenges exist if such technologies are ever to reach fruition. In this respect, one of the key scientific challenges is to synthesise and reliably connect single molecular wires which can transport charge over long distance and also perform other functions such as rectifying current or storing charge. This proposal is aimed at synthesising extended molecular wires from a class of molecules called porphyrins, whose synthesis and functionalisation is the focus of the Oxford group. These electrical properties of these well-characterised molecules will be investigated at Cardiff and Liverpool, particularly their efficiency as molecular wires, their contacts with metal electrodes and their potential for electrochemical control in devices. The porphyrin wires to be synthesised are conjugated, stiff and contain sites where charge can be localised. Other key attributes include lengths greater than 10 nm, remarkable stability, their ability to bind a wide range of metal ions and their capacity" . "The prime aspiration of molecular nanoelectronics is to fabricate and interconnect molecules that can replace, or at least augment, present silicon based technology, with the molecules functioning as interconnects, switches, transistors or even logic gates. Clearly big challenges exist if such technologies are ever to reach fruition. In this respect, one of the key scientific challenges is to synthesise and reliably connect single molecular wires which can transport charge over long distance and also perform other functions such as rectifying current or storing charge. This proposal is aimed at synthesising extended molecular wires from a class of molecules called porphyrins, whose synthesis and functionalisation is the focus of the Oxford group. These electrical properties of these well-characterised molecules will be investigated at Cardiff and Liverpool, particularly their efficiency as molecular wires, their contacts with metal electrodes and their potential for electrochemical control in devices. The porphyrin wires to be synthesised are conjugated, stiff and contain sites where charge can be localised. Other key attributes include lengths greater than 10 nm, remarkable stability, their ability to bind a wide range of metal ions and their capacity to be tuned with electrochemistry or photochemistry. It is expected that their attributes will allow them to conduct electrons over long distances. Their redox activity and ability to support pendent molecular groups will in turn provide avenues for current rectification, switching or charge storage. \r\r \r\rThe investigations of the electrical properties of these porphyrin wires will require us to wire-up single molecules. This is clearly a big experimental challenge but the Liverpool group has recently developed new techniques using the scanning tunnelling microscope which makes this procedure more straightforward and reliable. These techniques will provide robust chemical contact of the single porphyrin molecules at both ends to metallic contacts. The role of the molecule/metal contact remains one of the most poorly understood and yet extremely important aspects of single molecule electronics. We will systematically investigate these contact effects through the use of several differing chemical groups for binding to the metal electrodes and complementary determination of the lineup of energy levels between the metal and the molecule. Although most of the electrical characterisation will be performed with two metal contacts at either end of the wire, in" . . "2006-11-01" . "2010-02-28" . "Yes" . . "172938.66"^^ . "EP/D07665X/1" . "Announced" . . "Porphyrin single molecule wires for nanoelectronics" . . . . . . "Diverse applications are expected to appear in the future with complex and often varying service requirements, traffic profiles and user expectations. These will require extremely advanced adaptive computing and communication systems to provide users with mobile, secure and automatic means of conducting business. A prime application area is in international travel which continues to grow supported by a significant investment in infrastructure, such as Heathrow Terminal 5.\r\rAn intelligent, adaptive, self-organising wired/wireless infrastructure is essential in this environment. It is anticipated that the considerable growth in the complexity of this infrastructure will not just be due to the proliferation of established fixed equipment such as wireless base stations, surveillance cameras, security detection equipment, display and terminal equipment. The requirements will also be for a much wider deployment of more compact portable equipment, for example, location and control equipment on a wide range of transportation equipment. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags supported by a transparent optical-RF network can be used to sense, locate and track an array of objects including luggage, mobile assets and commercial goods and can provide additional features such as boarding pass auto-tags and access control tags. The RFID tags will operate at low data rates, typically 64 kbit/s, but an airport environment can be expected to contain a few million of them. Mobile biometric sensors will be widely deployed in this environment providing advanced features. A range of fixed and mobile terminals will provide additional security measures such as chemical detection and analysis, while other terminals, fixed and mobile, will support passenger information and entertainment services on transit. The infrastructure will support an array of personal passenger and staff wireless media rich devices. The wired/wireless network envisaged will thus be huge and complex, supporting perhaps 10 million information sources, with an anticipated peak aggregate data rate of order 500 Gbit/s in a relatively local access environment. This is beyond the capability of any current network and research is needed to understand the principles upon which an effective system could be constructed.\r\rAs this is such an ambitious and multidisciplinary project, a collaborative programme is proposed. The project has strong industrial involvement and support from Laing O'Rourke who will provide the application context, share design experience, u" . "Diverse applications are expected to appear in the future with complex and often varying service requirements, traffic profiles and user expectations. These will require extremely advanced adaptive computing and communication systems to provide users with mobile, secure and automatic means of conducting business. A prime application area is in international travel which continues to grow supported by a significant investment in infrastructure, such as Heathrow Terminal 5.\r\rAn intelligent, adaptive, self-organising wired/wireless infrastructure is essential in this environment. It is anticipated that the considerable growth in the complexity of this infrastructure will not just be due to the proliferation of established fixed equipment such as wireless base stations, surveillance cameras, security detection equipment, display and terminal equipment. The requirements will also be for a much wider deployment of more compact portable equipment, for example, location and control equipment on a wide range of transportation equipment. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags supported by a transparent optical-RF network can be used to sense, locate and track an array of objects including luggage, mobile assets and commercial goods and can provide additional f" . . "2006-10-01" . "2007-07-31" . "No" . . "300414.82"^^ . "EP/D076676/1" . "Announced" . . "The INtelligent Airport (TINA)" . . . . . . "Diverse applications are expected to appear in the future with complex and often varying service requirements, traffic profiles and user expectations. These will require extremely advanced adaptive computing and communication systems to provide users with mobile, secure and automatic means of conducting business. A prime application area is in international travel which continues to grow supported by a significant investment in infrastructure, such as Heathrow Terminal 5.\r\rAn intelligent, adaptive, self-organising wired/wireless infrastructure is essential in this environment. It is anticipated that the considerable growth in the complexity of this infrastructure will not just be due to the proliferation of established fixed equipment such as wireless base stations, surveillance cameras, security detection equipment, display and terminal equipment. The requirements will also be for a much wider deployment of more compact portable equipment, for example, location and control equipment on a wide range of transportation equipment. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags supported by a transparent optical-RF network can be used to sense, locate and track an array of objects including luggage, mobile assets and commercial goods and can provide additional features such as boarding pass auto-tags and access control tags. The RFID tags will operate at low data rates, typically 64 kbit/s, but an airport environment can be expected to contain a few million of them. Mobile biometric sensors will be widely deployed in this environment providing advanced features. A range of fixed and mobile terminals will provide additional security measures such as chemical detection and analysis, while other terminals, fixed and mobile, will support passenger information and entertainment services on transit. The infrastructure will support an array of personal passenger and staff wireless media rich devices. The wired/wireless network envisaged will thus be huge and complex, supporting perhaps 10 million information sources, with an anticipated peak aggregate data rate of order 500 Gbit/s in a relatively local access environment. This is beyond the capability of any current network and research is needed to understand the principles upon which an effective system could be constructed.\r\rAs this is such an ambitious and multidisciplinary project, a collaborative programme is proposed. The project has strong industrial involvement and support from Laing O'Rourke who will provide the application context, share design experience, u" . "Diverse applications are expected to appear in the future with complex and often varying service requirements, traffic profiles and user expectations. These will require extremely advanced adaptive computing and communication systems to provide users with mobile, secure and automatic means of conducting business. A prime application area is in international travel which continues to grow supported by a significant investment in infrastructure, such as Heathrow Terminal 5.\r\rAn intelligent, adaptive, self-organising wired/wireless infrastructure is essential in this environment. It is anticipated that the considerable growth in the complexity of this infrastructure will not just be due to the proliferation of established fixed equipment such as wireless base stations, surveillance cameras, security detection equipment, display and terminal equipment. The requirements will also be for a much wider deployment of more compact portable equipment, for example, location and control equipment on a wide range of transportation equipment. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags supported by a transparent optical-RF network can be used to sense, locate and track an array of objects including luggage, mobile assets and commercial goods and can provide additional f" . . "2007-08-01" . "2010-03-31" . "Yes" . . "242999.19"^^ . "EP/D076676/2" . "Announced" . . "The INtelligent Airport (TINA)" . . . . . . "Diverse applications are expected to appear in the future with complex and often varying service requirements, traffic profiles and user expectations. These will require extremely advanced adaptive computing and communication systems to provide users with mobile, secure and automatic means of conducting business. A prime application area is in international travel which continues to grow supported by a significant investment in infrastructure, such as Heathrow Terminal 5.\r\rAn intelligent, adaptive, self-organising wired/wireless infrastructure is essential in this environment. It is anticipated that the considerable growth in the complexity of this infrastructure will not just be due to the proliferation of established fixed equipment such as wireless base stations, surveillance cameras, security detection equipment, display and terminal equipment. The requirements will also be for a much wider deployment of more compact portable equipment, for example, location and control equipment on a wide range of transportation equipment. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags supported by a transparent optical-RF network can be used to sense, locate and track an array of objects including luggage, mobile assets and commercial goods and can provide additional features such as boarding pass auto-tags and access control tags. The RFID tags will operate at low data rates, typically 64 kbit/s, but an airport environment can be expected to contain a few million of them. Mobile biometric sensors will be widely deployed in this environment providing advanced features. A range of fixed and mobile terminals will provide additional security measures such as chemical detection and analysis, while other terminals, fixed and mobile, will support passenger information and entertainment services on transit. The infrastructure will support an array of personal passenger and staff wireless media rich devices. The wired/wireless network envisaged will thus be huge and complex, supporting perhaps 10 million information sources, with an anticipated peak aggregate data rate of order 500 Gbit/s in a relatively local access environment. This is beyond the capability of any current network and research is needed to understand the principles upon which an effective system could be constructed.\r\rAs this is such an ambitious and multidisciplinary project, a collaborative programme is proposed. The project has strong industrial involvement and support from Laing O'Rourke who will provide the application context, share design experience, u" . "Diverse applications are expected to appear in the future with complex and often varying service requirements, traffic profiles and user expectations. These will require extremely advanced adaptive computing and communication systems to provide users with mobile, secure and automatic means of conducting business. A prime application area is in international travel which continues to grow supported by a significant investment in infrastructure, such as Heathrow Terminal 5.\r\rAn intelligent, adaptive, self-organising wired/wireless infrastructure is essential in this environment. It is anticipated that the considerable growth in the complexity of this infrastructure will not just be due to the proliferation of established fixed equipment such as wireless base stations, surveillance cameras, security detection equipment, display and terminal equipment. The requirements will also be for a much wider deployment of more compact portable equipment, for example, location and control equipment on a wide range of transportation equipment. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags supported by a transparent optical-RF network can be used to sense, locate and track an array of objects including luggage, mobile assets and commercial goods and can provide additional f" . . "2006-10-01" . "2010-03-31" . "Yes" . . "332287.14"^^ . "EP/D076722/1" . "Announced" . . "The INtelligent Airport (TINA)" . . . . . . "Diverse applications are expected to appear in the future with complex and often varying service requirements, traffic profiles and user expectations. These will require extremely advanced adaptive computing and communication systems to provide users with mobile, secure and automatic means of conducting business. A prime application area is in international travel which continues to grow supported by a significant investment in infrastructure, such as Heathrow Terminal 5.\r\rAn intelligent, adaptive, self-organising wired/wireless infrastructure is essential in this environment. It is anticipated that the considerable growth in the complexity of this infrastructure will not just be due to the proliferation of established fixed equipment such as wireless base stations, surveillance cameras, security detection equipment, display and terminal equipment. The requirements will also be for a much wider deployment of more compact portable equipment, for example, location and control equipment on a wide range of transportation equipment. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags supported by a transparent optical-RF network can be used to sense, locate and track an array of objects including luggage, mobile assets and commercial goods and can provide additional f" . "Diverse applications are expected to appear in the future with complex and often varying service requirements, traffic profiles and user expectations. These will require extremely advanced adaptive computing and communication systems to provide users with mobile, secure and automatic means of conducting business. A prime application area is in international travel which continues to grow supported by a significant investment in infrastructure, such as Heathrow Terminal 5.\r\rAn intelligent, adaptive, self-organising wired/wireless infrastructure is essential in this environment. It is anticipated that the considerable growth in the complexity of this infrastructure will not just be due to the proliferation of established fixed equipment such as wireless base stations, surveillance cameras, security detection equipment, display and terminal equipment. The requirements will also be for a much wider deployment of more compact portable equipment, for example, location and control equipment on a wide range of transportation equipment. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags supported by a transparent optical-RF network can be used to sense, locate and track an array of objects including luggage, mobile assets and commercial goods and can provide additional features such as boarding pass auto-tags and access control tags. These active RFID tags will operate at low data rates, typically 64 kbit/s, but an airport environment can be expected to contain a few million of them. Mobile biometric sensors will be widely deployed in this environment providing advanced features. A range of fixed and mobile terminals will provide additional security measures such as chemical detection and analysis, while other terminals, fixed and mobile, will support passenger information and entertainment services on transit. The infrastructure will support an array of personal passenger and staff wireless media rich devices. The wired/wireless network envisaged will thus be huge and complex, supporting perhaps 10 million information sources, with an anticipated peak aggregate data rate of order 100 Gbit/s in a relatively local access environment. This is beyond the capability of any current network and research is needed to understand the principles upon which an effective system could be constructed.\r\rAs this is such an ambitious and multidisciplinary project, a collaborative programme is proposed. The project has strong industrial involvement and support from Laing O'Rourke who will provide the application context, share design expe" . . "2006-10-16" . "2010-04-15" . "Yes" . . "511085.61"^^ . "EP/D076803/1" . "Announced" . . "The INtelligent Airport (TINA)" . . . . . . "Nanoparticles are of great technological importance but are very difficult to manipulate and control. Good progress has been made in two areas: the first is the control of size and shape of the particles themselves. The second is a recent demonstration that the particles can be fused together by joining crystallographically equivalent facets. This implies that nanoscale building blocks can be combined like 'lego' bricks. Unfortunately progress with arranging semiconductor nanoparticles (bringing the lego bricks together) is more limited. This is an essential step to creating nanoscale electronic devices. My research will address this problem. My approach will be to manipulate the particles by dispersing them in a solvent that has ordered phases. I will specifically make use of layered phases to confine particles in two-dimensional regions. It is possible that the nanoparticles will then interact with each other via their effect on the host solvent. This could lead to the controlled aggregation of particles. A major strength of my approach is that the successful procedures are not dependent on the particular chemistry of the nanoparticle. Hence it should be possible to repeat techniques with a range of different sorts of particle. A later development will" . "Nanoparticles are of great technological importance but are very difficult to manipulate and control. Good progress has been made in two areas: the first is the control of size and shape of the particles themselves. The second is a recent demonstration that the particles can be fused together by joining crystallographically equivalent facets. This implies that nanoscale building blocks can be combined like 'lego' bricks. Unfortunately progress with arranging semiconductor nanoparticles (bringing the lego bricks together) is more limited. This is an essential step to creating nanoscale electronic devices. My research will address this problem. My approach will be to manipulate the particles by dispersing them in a solvent that has ordered phases. I will specifically make use of layered phases to confine particles in two-dimensional regions. It is possible that the nanoparticles will then interact with each other via their effect on the host solvent. This could lead to the controlled aggregation of particles. A major strength of my approach is that the successful procedures are not dependent on the particular chemistry of the nanoparticle. Hence it should be possible to repeat techniques with a range of different sorts of particle. A later development will be to use non-equilibrium phenomena to assist with spatial organisation of the particles. Layered phases are novel states of matter in their own right. Consequently our research on their relationship with dispersed nanoparticles is of fundamental significance beyond nanotechnology. We anticipate creating new partially ordered phases and arrested states that will provide a challenge to theories of soft composites and membranes with inclusions." . . "2006-11-06" . "2008-11-05" . "No" . . "190743.53"^^ . "EP/D076986/1" . "Announced" . . "Nanoparticles in Layered Media" . . . . . . "Solid-state NMR is an important technique for characterising and studying solid materials whether they are homogeneous or heterogeneous, crystalline or amorphous. It can be applied across a wide-range of chemistry including novel organic, inorganic, organometallic and hybrid compounds, polymers (both natural and synthetic), fuels, pharmaceutical and excipients, composites, ceramics, catalysts, liquid crystals and biologically-based systems. \r\rThis proposal is for a solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) research service. The service will be available to members of the UK academic community and will based around a new state-of-the-art 400 MHz spectrometer. It will build upon the well-established and highly-experienced service currently running at Durham. The service will offer experiment planning and interpretation, in addition to providing high-quality spectra. It will promote the application of solid-state NMR to chemical problems and will act as a centre for practical training in solid-state NMR methodology. \r\rThe EPSRC service will run in parallel to a commercial service supporting the research and development needs of industry. The case for support describes how the service will be structured, how it will operate and how much instrument ti" . "Solid-state NMR is an important technique for characterising and studying solid materials whether they are homogeneous or heterogeneous, crystalline or amorphous. It can be applied across a wide-range of chemistry including novel organic, inorganic, organometallic and hybrid compounds, polymers (both natural and synthetic), fuels, pharmaceutical and excipients, composites, ceramics, catalysts, liquid crystals and biologically-based systems. \r\rThis proposal is for a solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) research service. The service will be available to members of the UK academic community and will based around a new state-of-the-art 400 MHz spectrometer. It will build upon the well-established and highly-experienced service currently running at Durham. The service will offer experiment planning and interpretation, in addition to providing high-quality spectra. It will promote the application of solid-state NMR to chemical problems and will act as a centre for practical training in solid-state NMR methodology. \r\rThe EPSRC service will run in parallel to a commercial service supporting the research and development needs of industry. The case for support describes how the service will be structured, how it will operate and how much instrument time will be available to its users. It is proposed that the Service will operate for a period of five years to permit a major equipment upgrade to be carried out and its impact evaluated." . . "2006-07-01" . "2011-10-31" . "Yes" . . "422631.21"^^ . "EP/D077532/1" . "Announced" . . "Solid-state NMR Research Service for UK Universities" . . . . . . "It is commonly assumed that solids which conduct electricity do so via the movement of charged electrons under an applied electric field, and electrically conducting liquids require the movement of charged ions. However, this is not always the case. Liquid mercury provides, perhaps, the best example of a liquid showing metallic (electronic) conduction, and there are a variety of solids whose conductivity is primarily due to ionic migration. Such solids may therefore show similar properties, and applications, as liquid electrolytes. An important application for solids which conduct via the migration of O2- ions is as electrolytes for high temperatures solid oxide fuel cells, SOFCs, where the electrolyte separates the active electrode materials, which may simply be O2 and H2. Other applications include O2- conducting membranes which can, for example, be utilised for the production of pure oxygen from impure sources, typically air, by passing a current through the membrane. Such devices could be used for large scale oxygen production or in portable devices, e.g. for medical purposes. For efficiency and technological stability, low temperature operation is a requirement, and the need for new materials which show high O2- conductivity at low temperatures provides the stimulus for this proposal. We have made an important observation that certain cations, when partially substituting Bi in bismuth oxide, produce what appear to be the best low temperature isotropic oxide ion conductors (i.e. the conductivity is independent of direction). It is now vital that we fully characterise these materials in order to:\r\ri\toptimise their properties;\rii\tfully check (and possibly improve) their stability to long term usage at low temperatures;\riii\texplore their potential for real applications;\riv\texplore the possible extension of our observation to other systems.\r\rIn particular, we need to explore the detailed structure of the materials we have already synthesised, especially the local structure around the ions substituted into the bismuth oxide framework, and the surface properties which are important for applications in real devices. We also need to have a better understanding of the mechanism applicable to the O2- migration in these materials, in order to rationalise the improved conductivity observed. This objective cannot be achieved experimentally, but requires the use of theoretical modelling. The proposal therefore will bring together four high quality research groups from different research centres, each of" . "It is commonly assumed that solids which conduct electricity do so via the movement of charged electrons under an applied electric field, and electrically conducting liquids require the movement of charged ions. However, this is not always the case. Liquid mercury provides, perhaps, the best example of a liquid showing metallic (electronic) conduction, and there are a variety of solids whose conductivity is primarily due to ionic migration. Such solids may therefore show similar properties, and applications, as liquid electrolytes. An important application for solids which conduct via the migration of O2- ions is as electrolytes for high temperatures solid oxide fuel cells, SOFCs, where the electrolyte separates the active electrode materials, which may simply be O2 and H2. Other applications include O2- conducting membranes which can, for example, be utilised for the production of pure oxygen from impure sources, typically air, by passing a current through the membrane. Such devices could be used for large scale oxygen production or in portable devices, e.g. for medical purposes. For efficiency and technological stability, low temperature operation is a requirement, and the need for new materials which show high O2- conductivity at low temperatures" . . "2006-10-02" . "2010-04-01" . "Yes" . . "106451.89"^^ . "EP/D077745/1" . "Announced" . . "Characterization and optimization of new fluorite-related oxide ion conductors" . . . . . . "Unmixed steam reforming is a promising alternative process of hydrogen production. It relies on the cyclic oxidation of a bed of nickel-based material and on the simultaneous regeneration of a CO2-sorbent under airflow to provide the heat necessary for the steam reforming reaction. The latter occurs subsequently under a fuel/steam flow while the airflow is interrupted. The effluent gas of the fuel/steam step is much higher in hydrogen than the single reactor equivalent conventional process, and the oxidised catalyst is regenerated by reduction from exposure to the fuel. Because the carbon produced during the steam reforming step is subsequently burned under the airflow, the process is not sensitive to the gradual loss of conversion efficiency exhibited by the conventional process. Furthermore, in the unmixed steam reforming process, sulphur in the fuel is claimed to also undergo oxidation under the airflow rather than irreversibly poisoning the reforming catalyst. This process most importantly claimed to be economical at small scale, unlike the conventional process, and could thus be used in distributed power generation. These advantages open up opportunities for this novel process to apply to a whole range of fuels with coking tendencies and/or sulphur content, such as the combustible liquid mixtures derived from biomass or specific industrial / transportation waste. When using a suitable CO2-sorbent in the reformer, the dry hydrogen content in the reformate gas reaches above 80% (90+% when using on methane fuel). In this case, most of the produced CO2 and the N2 from the airflow effluent leave the reactor separately to the H2-rich reformate gas, and can potentially be easily filtered and stored. In the now completed GR/R50677/01 project, we showed the sequence via which the various reactions involved in the cycle proceeded, and we found clear evidence of the insensitivity of the process to coking. We concluded that certain developments would improve on the original process. These are listed in the objectives." . "Unmixed steam reforming is a promising alternative process of hydrogen production. It relies on the cyclic oxidation of a bed of nickel-based material and on the simultaneous regeneration of a CO2-sorbent under airflow to provide the heat necessary for the steam reforming reaction. The latter occurs subsequently under a fuel/steam flow while the airflow is interrupted. The effluent gas of the fuel/steam step is much higher in hydrogen than the single reactor equivalent conventional process, and the oxidised catalyst is regenerated by reduction from exposure to the fuel. Because the carbon produced during the steam reforming step is subsequently burned under the airflow, the process is not sensitive to the gradual loss of conversion efficiency exhibited by the conventional process. Furthermore, in the unmixed steam reforming process, sulphur in the fuel is claimed to also undergo oxidation under the airflow rather than irreversibly poisoning the reforming catalyst. This process most importantly claimed to be economical at small scale, unlike the conventional process, and could thus be used in distributed power generation. These advantages open up opportunities for this novel process to apply to a whole range of fuels with coking tendencies and/or sulphur" . . "2007-01-02" . "2010-05-01" . "Yes" . . "344834.52"^^ . "EP/D078199/1" . "Announced" . . "Unmixed Steam Reforming of Liquid Fuels From Biomass and Waste for Hydrogen Production" . . . . . . "A major problem for photovoltaics is the lack of a fast and accurate energy rating for new devices and modules. Currently, methods for predicting the energy yield for a given device are either too simplistic, especially with regard to emerging technologies, or long-measurement campaigns are required. This problem will be solved by developing an energy rating based on direct laboratory measurements and thus not be based on simplifications, reducing the time needed for realistic measurement campaigns from months to hours. At the heart of this method is a novel measurement apparatus, which will allow among other things the generation of variable irradiance spectra, closely matched to those experienced in real outdoor operation. A novel methodology will be developed to evaluate technologies currently at the development stage and an extensive validation of the approach will be carried out. Theoretical work will be undertaken to underpin the development of this new approach to energy rating of solar modules." . . "2007-04-01" . "2010-03-31" . "Yes" . . "375109.83"^^ . "EP/D078431/1" . "Announced" . . "Fast Energy Rating for Photovoltaic Devices and Modules (FENRA)" . . . . . . "The driving force to get new lightweight composite materials into the air comes from the increasing cost of fuel worldwide. An airline industry's response to higher fuel charges is to make aircraft lighter and more fuel efficient. What appears to be a paradox is that as the cost of fuel is going up, so is the size of airframe; the new Airbus super-jumbo A380 is an example. New composite materials including those based on carbon fibre (CFRP) and the glass fibre laminate called GLARE are replacing aluminium alloys, and modern civil airliners like Boeing's brand new 787, and the Airbus A350 may contain up to 50% by weight of composite material. The infrastructure required to support these new advances includes: fibre production and resin processing, manufacture of innovative fibre pre-preg architecture, new machine tools and assembly jigs, advanced fabrication processes and factory-of-the-future design, structure formulation of composite material systems, and revised test methods. In addition, is the need for improved design techniques to optimise airframe layout thereby maximising acceptable (safe) working loads. And at the same time, we must reduce fabrication costs through automation and low temperature curing matrix systems, and certify practical advanced inspection techniques for defect detection and repair. In the UK alone, we have 3,000 companies with 150,000 employed directly in aerospace, and 350,000 indirectly employed. The turnover in 2001 was 18.42 billion (58% civil, 42% military) and was the UK's second highest export sector with 2.8 billion. The total projected aircraft market (1999 - 2008) is more than $500 billion.\r\rThe expectation is for materials to last longer and for structures to operate safely and reliably at increasingly higher stresses. In the case of engine components, we expect the material to work successfully at even greater elevated temperature. The requirement is to push the performance of the structure to its limit thereby stretching composite materials to their boundary of strength and endurance. Innovation in design and advancement in material 'know-how' through discovery is no longer the single option. Now safety becomes the first issue of the day. \r\rAt the moment, we see airframes made from composites, arriving at the probability of a successful outcome of a safe design by using intuition and our experience of circumstances that we have encountered before. But if we are to imagine the future differently, disaster as an act of God or of bad luck has to go. Pre" . "The driving force to get new lightweight composite materials into the air comes from the increasing cost of fuel worldwide. An airline industry's response to higher fuel charges is to make aircraft lighter and more fuel efficient. What appears to be a paradox is that as the cost of fuel is going up, so is the size of airframe; the new Airbus super-jumbo A380 is an example. New composite materials including those based on carbon fibre (CFRP) and the glass fibre laminate called GLARE are replacing aluminium alloys, and modern civil airliners like Boeing's brand new 787, and the Airbus A350 may contain up to 50% by weight of composite material. The infrastructure required to support these new advances includes: fibre production and resin processing, manufacture of innovative fibre pre-preg architecture, new machine tools and assembly jigs, advanced fabrication processes and factory-of-the-future design, structure formulation of composite material systems, and revised test methods. In addition, is the need for improved design techniques to optimise airframe layout thereby maximising acceptable (safe) working loads. And at the same time, we must reduce fabrication costs through automation and low temperature curing matrix systems, and certify practical ad" . . "2006-05-04" . "2007-11-03" . "No" . . "37048.42"^^ . "EP/D078504/1" . "Announced" . . "Stretching the Endurance Boundary of Composite Materials, Pushing the Performance Limit of Composite Structures: A Key UK-USA Workshop" . . . . . . "We aim to unite emerging elements of inorganic semiconductor materials science with novel areas of polymer physics and chemistry, to develop a new range of 'hybrid' optical structures and sources for the UV/violet region of the spectrum. This timely and ambitious programme builds upon our core expertise in optical physics, microfabrication and semiconductor materials science, and shapes and directs collaborations with leading teams - both in the UK and abroad - in associated disciplines. These include deep ultraviolet semiconductors, novel structural polymers, organic light-emitting devices, biomaterials, digital optical chemistry and quantum dot spectroscopy.\r\rThe spectral region of interest in the current proposal, covering wavelengths from violet to around half that of blue light, is one of special significance for the interaction of light with matter. Many atomic and molecular transitions lie in this range, and, most importantly, so do the natural absorptions of many types of organic (carbon-containing) materials. Indeed, we can interpret the notion of organic materials broadly, to encompass both living and non-living materials. Examples of the former are polymers, resins and photoresists; examples of the latter are DNA and protein sequences, cells and tissues. For these reasons, UV/violet wavelengths are of central importance to a wide range of disciplines at the forefront of current science and technology, including micro- and nano-patterning of materials, bio- and chemical sensing, optical imaging and microscopy, and selective light-matter interactions. \r\rThe topics to be addressed in the programme engage a wide range of areas including those above: \r\rWe will develop micro-pixellated light-emitting diodes operating into the deep ultraviolet, taking to shorter wavelengths the approaches we have poineered in the blue/green and taking advantage of the remarkable recent developments in AlGaN light-emitting materials. In conjunction with our collaborators, we will develop and process novel polymeric materials to make custom photoresists and structural polymers for use with the above and other optical sources. This will provide a range of new optical polymers for use in areas such as encapsulation, micro-optics, mask-free and self-aligned photolithography. We will develop, with other collaborators, hybrid light-emitting polymer structures integrated with our devices and investigate novel forms of energy transfer between them. Furthermore, we will continue and our groundbreaking work on site-controlled Ga" . "We aim to unite emerging elements of inorganic semiconductor materials science with novel areas of polymer physics and chemistry, to develop a new range of 'hybrid' optical structures and sources for the UV/violet region of the spectrum. This timely and ambitious programme builds upon our core expertise in optical physics, microfabrication and semiconductor materials science, and shapes and directs collaborations with leading teams - both in the UK and abroad - in associated disciplines. These include deep ultraviolet semiconductors, novel structural polymers, organic light-emitting devices, biomaterials, digital optical chemistry and quantum dot spectroscopy.\r\rThe spectral region of interest in the current proposal, covering wavelengths from violet to around half that of blue light, is one of special significance for the interaction of light with matter. Many atomic and molecular transitions lie in this range, and, most importantly, so do the natural absorptions of many types of organic (carbon-containing) materials. Indeed, we can interpret the notion of organic materials broadly, to encompass both living and non-living materials. Examples of the former are polymers, resins and photoresists; examples of the latter are DNA and protein sequences, cells an" . . . "2007-01-01" . "2010-12-31" . "Yes" . . "729439.09"^^ . "EP/D078555/1" . "Announced" . . "Semiconductor-based hybrid structures for ultraviolet micro-devices" . . . . . . "Liquid crystals are partially ordered fluids, thermodynamically located between the three dimensionally ordered crystal and the isotropic liquid. Their applications are well known, from simple black and white displays in pocket calculators, all the way to the sophisticated full colour flat panel screens in laptops and modern TVs. All these applications rely on the nematic phase, which exhibits only orientational order of the long axis of rod-shaped molecules. Introducing stabilising polymer networks to chiral nematic phases has recently led to the demonstration of 'electronic paper', a display device based on scattering, rather than birefringence. Part of this success was based on the fundamental investigations of the applicant. \rThe proposed work will take the development in a totally new and exciting direction by investigating novel composites based on ferroelectric smectic liquid crystals (FLC). Only smectic phases with tilted, chiral molecules can exhibit ferroelectricity, and they are the only liquids known to do so. Their applicational prospects are paramount: electro-optic switching 1000 times faster than that of nematics, bistability, memory, low driving voltages and excellent contrast. Introducing polymer modification to ferroelectric liquid crys" . "Liquid crystals are partially ordered fluids, thermodynamically located between the three dimensionally ordered crystal and the isotropic liquid. Their applications are well known, from simple black and white displays in pocket calculators, all the way to the sophisticated full colour flat panel screens in laptops and modern TVs. All these applications rely on the nematic phase, which exhibits only orientational order of the long axis of rod-shaped molecules. Introducing stabilising polymer networks to chiral nematic phases has recently led to the demonstration of 'electronic paper', a display device based on scattering, rather than birefringence. Part of this success was based on the fundamental investigations of the applicant. \rThe proposed work will take the development in a totally new and exciting direction by investigating novel composites based on ferroelectric smectic liquid crystals (FLC). Only smectic phases with tilted, chiral molecules can exhibit ferroelectricity, and they are the only liquids known to do so. Their applicational prospects are paramount: electro-optic switching 1000 times faster than that of nematics, bistability, memory, low driving voltages and excellent contrast. Introducing polymer modification to ferroelectric liquid crystals will open a whole new and exciting field of soft matter composites and solve some of the intrinsic problems encountered with FLCs. Three general classes of FLC-polymer composites will be studied: (i) polymer stabilised FLCs, bicontinuous systems with a phase separated polymer network, (ii) FLC gels, three component systems which allow variation of polymer cross-linking density and (iii) micro-phase segregated composites with polymer networks forming between smectic layers, rather than across them. Polymer stabilised FLCs have been reported before, but no systematic investigations or quantitative descriptions of the physical properties have been developed. These are the ideal composites to firstly establish a quantitative approach, which will then be carried over to the novel composite classes of ferroelectric gels and micro-phase segregated composites, new materials with different physical properties, that will be developed within the proposed work.\rIn systematic, high-resolution experiments we will measure the temperature and electric field dependence of the two basic physical quantities, the tilt angle and the polarisation. From such measurements we will be able to determine the complete potential of the polymer modified liquid crystal according to" . . "2006-10-01" . "2009-09-30" . "Yes" . . "272356.06"^^ . "EP/D079128/1" . "Announced" . . "Fluid ferroelectric composites" . . . . . . "The I'DGO Research Consortium has a continuing overall aim to identify the most effective ways of ensuring that the outdoor environment is designed inclusively and with sensitivity to the needs and desires of older people, to improve their quality of life. In focusing on the changing needs of older people, the Consortium will address issues that are relevant to a much wider range of people in society as a whole, including disabled people, frail or vulnerable people and those who care for them. \r\rThe proposed research under I'DGO TOO combines the skills and experience of three research centres and academic colleagues across five academic institutions. It brings this expertise together with that of a range of collaborators from different organisations, agencies and groups, ranging from ODPM to Age Concern, who are keen to use the findings of the research and benefit from it,\r\rI'DGO TOO focuses on particular policies and strategies that are currently being promoted by government as part of the sustainability agenda / urban renaissance, integrated communities and inclusive environments / where the potentially important, practical implications for older people's lives have not fully been explored and tested. It investigates how well outdoor environments in cer" . "The I'DGO Research Consortium has a continuing overall aim to identify the most effective ways of ensuring that the outdoor environment is designed inclusively and with sensitivity to the needs and desires of older people, to improve their quality of life. In focusing on the changing needs of older people, the Consortium will address issues that are relevant to a much wider range of people in society as a whole, including disabled people, frail or vulnerable people and those who care for them. \r\rThe proposed research under I'DGO TOO combines the skills and experience of three research centres and academic colleagues across five academic institutions. It brings this expertise together with that of a range of collaborators from different organisations, agencies and groups, ranging from ODPM to Age Concern, who are keen to use the findings of the research and benefit from it,\r\rI'DGO TOO focuses on particular policies and strategies that are currently being promoted by government as part of the sustainability agenda / urban renaissance, integrated communities and inclusive environments / where the potentially important, practical implications for older people's lives have not fully been explored and tested. It investigates how well outdoor environments in certain types of development, built in line with these policies, contribute to older people's health and wellbeing. It does so through research at three different levels of detail. It explores the implications of denser urban living on open space in housing, pedestrian-friendly approaches (such as Home Zones) in street environments and the practical consequences of using tactile paving in the urban environment. A range of innovative methods, some of which have been developed in earlier research by the consortium, will be used to examine in detail how design, and older people's perceptions of the designed environment, make a difference. \r\rThe voices of older people themselves are a key element in this research. I'DGO TOO recognises the great diversity and range of abilities, disabilities, aspirations, expectations and needs that are encompassed in the population of people over 65 years of age. From the beginning, older people will be involved in expressing what is important to them and in shaping the development of the programme. The approaches used treat older people and disabled people as co-researchers, rather than 'subjects', and the range of techniques place these people at the heart of the investigation. A number of different methods is used to ensure t" . . "2007-06-01" . "2011-08-31" . "Yes" . . "479960.21"^^ . "EP/D079640/1" . "Announced" . . "I'DGO TOO (Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors 2)" . . . . . . "The I'DGO research consortium has a continuing overall aim to identify the most effective ways of ensuring that the outdoor environment is designed inclusively and with sensitivity to the needs and desires of older people, to improve their quality of life. In focusing on the changing needs of older people, the consortium will address issues that are relevant to a much wider range of people in society as a whole, including disabled people, frail or vulnerable people and those who care for them. \r\rThe proposed research under I'DGO TOO combines the skills and experience of three research centres and academic colleagues across five academic institutions. It brings this expertise together with that of a range of collaborators from different organisations, agencies and groups, ranging from ODPM to Age Concern, who are keen to use the findings of the research and benefit from it,\r\rI'DGO TOO focuses on particular policies and strategies that are currently being promoted by government as part of the sustainability agenda / urban renaissance, integrated communities and inclusive environments / where the potentially important, practical implications for older people's lives have not fully been explored and tested. It investigates how well outdoor environments in certain types of development, built in line with these policies, contribute to older people's health and wellbeing. It does so through research at three different levels of detail. It explores the implications of denser urban living on open space in housing, pedestrian-friendly approaches (such as Home Zones) in street environments and the practical consequences of using tactile paving in the urban environment. A range of innovative methods, some of which have been developed in earlier research by the consortium, will be used to examine in detail how design, and older people's perceptions of the designed environment, make a difference. \r\rThe voices of older people themselves are a key element in this research. I'DGO TOO recognises the great diversity and range of abilities, disabilities, aspirations, expectations and needs that are encompassed in the population of people over 65 years of age. From the beginning, older people will be involved in expressing what is important to them and in shaping the development of the programme. The approaches used treat older people and disabled people as co-researchers, rather than 'subjects', and the range of techniques place these people at the heart of the investigation. A number of different methods is used to ensure t" . "The I'DGO research consortium has a continuing overall aim to identify the most effective ways of ensuring that the outdoor environment is designed inclusively and with sensitivity to the needs and desires of older people, to improve their quality of life. In focusing on the changing needs of older people, the consortium will address issues that are relevant to a much wider range of people in society as a whole, including disabled people, frail or vulnerable people and those who care for them. \r\rThe proposed research under I'DGO TOO combines the skills and experience of three research centres and academic colleagues across five academic institutions. It brings this expertise together with that of a range of collaborators from different organisations, agencies and groups, ranging from ODPM to Age Concern, who are keen to use the findings of the research and benefit from it,\r\rI'DGO TOO focuses on particular policies and strategies that are currently being promoted by government as part of the sustainability agenda / urban renaissance, integrated communities and inclusive environments / where the potentially important, practical implications for older people's lives have not fully been explored and tested. It investigates how well outdoor environments in cer" . . "2007-03-01" . "2009-09-20" . "No" . . "447789.1"^^ . "EP/D07973X/1" . "Announced" . . "I'DGO TOO (Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors 2)" . . . . . . "The I'DGO research consortium has a continuing overall aim to identify the most effective ways of ensuring that the outdoor environment is designed inclusively and with sensitivity to the needs and desires of older people, to improve their quality of life. In focusing on the changing needs of older people, the consortium will address issues that are relevant to a much wider range of people in society as a whole, including disabled people, frail or vulnerable people and those who care for them. \r\rThe proposed research under I'DGO TOO combines the skills and experience of three research centres and academic colleagues across five academic institutions. It brings this expertise together with that of a range of collaborators from different organisations, agencies and groups, ranging from ODPM to Age Concern, who are keen to use the findings of the research and benefit from it,\r\rI'DGO TOO focuses on particular policies and strategies that are currently being promoted by government as part of the sustainability agenda / urban renaissance, integrated communities and inclusive environments / where the potentially important, practical implications for older people's lives have not fully been explored and tested. It investigates how well outdoor environments in certain types of development, built in line with these policies, contribute to older people's health and wellbeing. It does so through research at three different levels of detail. It explores the implications of denser urban living on open space in housing, pedestrian-friendly approaches (such as Home Zones) in street environments and the practical consequences of using tactile paving in the urban environment. A range of innovative methods, some of which have been developed in earlier research by the consortium, will be used to examine in detail how design, and older people's perceptions of the designed environment, make a difference. \r\rThe voices of older people themselves are a key element in this research. I'DGO TOO recognises the great diversity and range of abilities, disabilities, aspirations, expectations and needs that are encompassed in the population of people over 65 years of age. From the beginning, older people will be involved in expressing what is important to them and in shaping the development of the programme. The approaches used treat older people and disabled people as co-researchers, rather than 'subjects', and the range of techniques place these people at the heart of the investigation. A number of different methods is used to ensure t" . "The I'DGO research consortium has a continuing overall aim to identify the most effective ways of ensuring that the outdoor environment is designed inclusively and with sensitivity to the needs and desires of older people, to improve their quality of life. In focusing on the changing needs of older people, the consortium will address issues that are relevant to a much wider range of people in society as a whole, including disabled people, frail or vulnerable people and those who care for them. \r\rThe proposed research under I'DGO TOO combines the skills and experience of three research centres and academic colleagues across five academic institutions. It brings this expertise together with that of a range of collaborators from different organisations, agencies and groups, ranging from ODPM to Age Concern, who are keen to use the findings of the research and benefit from it,\r\rI'DGO TOO focuses on particular policies and strategies that are currently being promoted by government as part of the sustainability agenda / urban renaissance, integrated communities and inclusive environments / where the potentially important, practical implications for older people's lives have not fully been explored and tested. It investigates how well outdoor environments in cer" . . "2009-09-21" . "2011-03-20" . "Yes" . . "189899.87"^^ . "EP/D07973X/2" . "Announced" . . "I'DGO TOO (Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors 2)" . . . . . . "The I'DGO research consortium has a continuing overall aim to identify the most effective ways of ensuring that the outdoor environment is designed inclusively and with sensitivity to the needs and desires of older people, to improve their quality of life. In focusing on the changing needs of older people, the consortium will address issues that are relevant to a much wider range of people in society as a whole, including disabled people, frail or vulnerable people and those who care for them. \r\rThe proposed research under I'DGO TOO combines the skills and experience of three research centres and academic colleagues across five academic institutions. It brings this expertise together with that of a range of collaborators from different organisations, agencies and groups, ranging from ODPM to Age Concern, who are keen to use the findings of the research and benefit from it,\r\rI'DGO TOO focuses on particular policies and strategies that are currently being promoted by government as part of the sustainability agenda / urban renaissance, integrated communities and inclusive environments / where the potentially important, practical implications for older people's lives have not fully been explored and tested. It investigates how well outdoor environments in certain types of development, built in line with these policies, contribute to older people's health and wellbeing. It does so through research at three different levels of detail. It explores the implications of denser urban living on open space in housing, pedestrian-friendly approaches (such as Home Zones) in street environments and the practical consequences of using tactile paving in the urban environment. A range of innovative methods, some of which have been developed in earlier research by the consortium, will be used to examine in detail how design, and older people's perceptions of the designed environment, make a difference. \r\rThe voices of older people themselves are a key element in this research. I'DGO TOO recognises the great diversity and range of abilities, disabilities, aspirations, expectations and needs that are encompassed in the population of people over 65 years of age. From the beginning, older people will be involved in expressing what is important to them and in shaping the development of the programme. The approaches used treat older people and disabled people as co-researchers, rather than 'subjects', and the range of techniques place these people at the heart of the investigation. A number of different methods is used to ensure t" . "The I'DGO research consortium has a continuing overall aim to identify the most effective ways of ensuring that the outdoor environment is designed inclusively and with sensitivity to the needs and desires of older people, to improve their quality of life. In focusing on the changing needs of older people, the consortium will address issues that are relevant to a much wider range of people in society as a whole, including disabled people, frail or vulnerable people and those who care for them. \r\rThe proposed research under I'DGO TOO combines the skills and experience of three research centres and academic colleagues across five academic institutions. It brings this expertise together with that of a range of collaborators from different organisations, agencies and groups, ranging from ODPM to Age Concern, who are keen to use the findings of the research and benefit from it,\r\rI'DGO TOO focuses on particular policies and strategies that are currently being promoted by government as part of the sustainability agenda / urban renaissance, integrated communities and inclusive environments / where the potentially important, practical implications for older people's lives have not fully been explored and tested. It investigates how well outdoor environments in cer" . . "2007-01-02" . "2011-04-01" . "Yes" . . "674958.31"^^ . "EP/D079861/1" . "Announced" . . "I'DGO TOO (Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors 2)" . . . . . . "This research will primarily develop a novel technique to grow a high volume of high quality gallium nitride for use in optoelectronic, microelectronic and biomedical devices. \rIt is currently very difficult to produce large single crystal gallium nitride due to the high pressures and temperatures required, and this is inhibiting the wide uptake of this disruptive material technology. Instead, the technique involved in this proposal uses a high density of minature columns with dimensions on the nano-scale to initiate the chemical growth of a large crystal from a crystal of another material that has a different crystal structure. The columns reduce the problems associated with the different crystal structures and has the potential to produce high quality gallium nitride at relatively low cost.\rThe research will determine the optimum column size and the best conditions for the crystal growth by theoretical modelling and experimentation. Three different complementary growth techniques at the universities of Nottingham and Bath will be used, and the advanced characterisation techniques and expertise at Bristol University will provide essential feedback and understanding of the nanostructures to the growth personnel." . . "2006-09-01" . "2008-10-31" . "No" . . "385613.84"^^ . "EP/D080622/1" . "Announced" . . "Growth of thick and flat high quality GaN using nano-column compliant layers" . . . . . . "This research will primarily develop a novel technique to grow a high volume of high quality gallium nitride for use in optoelectronic, microelectronic and biomedical devices. \rIt is currently very difficult to produce large single crystal gallium nitride due to the high pressures and temperatures required, and this is inhibiting the wide uptake of this disruptive material technology. Instead, the technique involved in this proposal uses a high density of minature columns with dimensions on the nano-scale to initiate the chemical growth of a large crystal from a crystal of another material that has a different crystal structure. The columns reduce the problems associated with the different crystal structures and has the potential to produce high quality gallium nitride at relatively low cost.\rThe research will determine the optimum column size and the best conditions for the crystal growth by theoretical modelling and experimentation. Three different complementary growth techniques at the universities of Nottingham and Bath will be used, and the advanced characterisation techniques and expertise at Bristol University will provide essential feedback and understanding of the nanostructures to the growth personnel." . . "2006-11-13" . "2009-04-12" . "No" . . "188021.82"^^ . "EP/D080762/1" . "Announced" . . "Growth of thick and flat high quality GaN using nano-column compliant layers" . . . . . . "This project aims to develop a powerful and novel computational simulation tool for predicting the large-scale (macroscopic) response of complex materials. In particular this project is concerned with the simulation of materials that are diverse or non-uniform in nature (heterogeneous). In addition to the solid, these materials may also contain regions of liquid and/or gas (multi-phase).\rIn order to understand and simulate the large scale response of such materials that are exposed to external and internal forces, heating and/or drying, it is necessary to identify and simulate the underlying physical processes that are taking place inside the material at a small scale (micro-scale) and to take account of the complex nature of the structure of the material at this small scale.\rTraditionally, engineers and scientists have described the large-scale behaviour of materials by simulating their observed response without reference to the underlying processes or material composition. The proposed analysis tool aims to describe the large-scale response indirectly by simulating the processes that are taking place at the small scale. However, any attempt to model every material detail of a large scale problem is unrealistic and therefore each region of the material" . "This project aims to develop a powerful and novel computational simulation tool for predicting the large-scale (macroscopic) response of complex materials. In particular this project is concerned with the simulation of materials that are diverse or non-uniform in nature (heterogeneous). In addition to the solid, these materials may also contain regions of liquid and/or gas (multi-phase).\rIn order to understand and simulate the large scale response of such materials that are exposed to external and internal forces, heating and/or drying, it is necessary to identify and simulate the underlying physical processes that are taking place inside the material at a small scale (micro-scale) and to take account of the complex nature of the structure of the material at this small scale.\rTraditionally, engineers and scientists have described the large-scale behaviour of materials by simulating their observed response without reference to the underlying processes or material composition. The proposed analysis tool aims to describe the large-scale response indirectly by simulating the processes that are taking place at the small scale. However, any attempt to model every material detail of a large scale problem is unrealistic and therefore each region of the material will be represented by a realistic small-scale description. The response of this representative part to loading will then be scaled up to the large scale. In this way the large-scale response of the material is simulated by processes that are taking place at the small\rscale.\rThis project will extend existing upscaling techniques that are applicable to purely mechanical behaviour to include coupling with heat and mass (liquid and gas) transport processes. Such a technique will permit the simulation of solids subject to extreme environmental conditions, such as heating (e.g. fire), and the effect of liquid and/or gas that occupy voids in the material. Furthermore, the research will consider how these processes change as the material composition changes. New techniques for modelling material interfaces and fractures will also be adopted.\rThe modelling framework to be developed will be applicable to a large class of heterogeneous materials (e.g. cementitious composites, biological tissues, rocks, soils, metal composites and vegetative materials) whose large-scale behaviour cannot be interpreted without consideration of the complex processes occurring at smaller scales." . . "2006-05-01" . "2009-04-30" . "No" . . "161397.515"^^ . "EP/D500273/1" . "Announced" . . "Computational homogenisation for modelling heterogeneous multi-phase materials" . . . . . . "Failure of metal structures such as aircraft or nuclear pressure vessels can have catastrophic consequences, putting lives in danger or having a major economic impact. It is therefore important to predict how long structures can operate safely.\rTwo main causes of failure of metal structures are the stresses on, the components, which may be static or oscillating, and corrosive attack by the environment. The combined effect of stress and corrosion can lead to 'environmentally-assisted cracking', which can be much faster than cracking caused by either stress or corrosion acting alone. Failures sometimes take place in extreme environments at high temperatures or in highly corrosive environments.\r'Failure' of a metal structure usually involves the formation of cracks in load-bearing regions, or the penetration of the structure by corrosion. It is possible to measure the rate of cracking and corrosion in the laboratory on small specimens over a period of hours, days or weeks, but real structures fail over periods of years. If we want to use laboratory failure rates to predict service life, it is essential to understand the mechanisms of the failure processes to ensure that our longterm predictions on large structures are valid. In parallel with this, it is important to carry out rigorous statistical analysis to assess the limits, errors and risks in such predictions.\rAs living organisms are made up of cells, which have a fine structure of organelles inside them, so metals are made up of individual grains, with varying distributions of precipitates and impurity elements. The failure of metals is determined by this 'microstructure'. Our research focuses on determining how cracks and regions of local corrosion interact with different microstructural features. To do this, we use experimental approaches that allow us to probe processes on the micron and sub-micron scale. For example, we have a device for stressing metals inside an electron microscope for observing the interaction of submicron cracks with microstructural features, and a 'microelectrochemical cell' for measuring the local rates of corrosion at the tip of a glass pipette that is the width of a human hair.\rA broad range of techniques can be used to understand failure mechanisms: in addition to many standard testing methods, we detect the progress of cracks by picking up tiny electrical or acoustic signals, and the evolution of corrosion through video microscopy of the evolution of damage. We are starting to use X-ray microtomography to detect the pe" . "Failure of metal structures such as aircraft or nuclear pressure vessels can have catastrophic consequences, putting lives in danger or having a major economic impact. It is therefore important to predict how long structures can operate safely.\rTwo main causes of failure of metal structures are the stresses on, the components, which may be static or oscillating, and corrosive attack by the environment. The combined effect of stress and corrosion can lead to 'environmentally-assisted cracking', which can be much faster than cracking caused by either stress or corrosion acting alone. Failures sometimes take place in extreme environments at high temperatures or in highly corrosive environments.\r'Failure' of a metal structure usually involves the formation of cracks in load-bearing regions, or the penetration of the structure by corrosion. It is possible to measure the rate of cracking and corrosion in the laboratory on small specimens over a period of hours, days or weeks, but real structures fail over periods of years. If we want to use laboratory failure rates to predict service life, it is essential to understand the mechanisms of the failure processes to ensure that our longterm predictions on large structures are valid. In parallel with this, it is im" . . . "2005-09-01" . "2011-02-28" . "Yes" . . "431488.25"^^ . "EP/D50029X/1" . "Announced" . . "Platform: Fracture, Fatigue and Durability of Advanced Alloys and Composites for High Performance Applications" . . . . . . "Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels are formed, and it plays a major role in normal development and a number of medical conditions such as cancer, vascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and impaired wound healing. However, our understanding of angiogenesis is critically retarded by its inherent complexity and consequent recalcitrance to the application of standard biological methodologies. An Angiogenesis Network will bring together a number of internationally renowned researchers from multiple disciplines within biology, medicine, engineering, and the physical sciences. This group activity will enhance the development of innovative techniques that could not be achieved in isolation. A truly interdisciplinary network devoted to the study of angiogenesis will engage life scientists, clinicians, engineers and physical scientists in developing new approaches and methodologies to improve our understanding of angiogenesis in a variety of contexts, including normal development, wound healing, tumour growth, and tissue engineering.\r\rThe Network will establish and maintain a multi-disciplinary research consortium interested in determining the mechanisms controlling new blood vessel formation. A series of workshops will allow for the presentation of frontier research, encourage extensive discussion, generate important new projects and techniques, and promote a sense of community. In addition, the Network will embody an openness to new ideas and concepts, and to input from less established participants. This will enable them to develop personal contacts with more senior researchers, and contribute to the development of a new generation of scientists that transcend the traditional barriers between disciplines. An important target is to involve the full range of engineering and the physical sciences, including experimental and computational chemistry, engineering, mathematics, physics, information science and materials science. This very broad range of expertise is a particularly exciting feature of the Network, and should lead to a number of novel, unexpected, and adventurous collaborations." . "Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels are formed, and it plays a major role in normal development and a number of medical conditions such as cancer, vascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and impaired wound healing. However, our understanding of angiogenesis is critically retarded by its inherent complexity and consequent recalcitrance to the application of standard biological methodologies. An Angiogenesis Network will bring together a number of internationally renowned researchers from multiple disciplines within biology, medicine, engineering, and the physical sciences. This group activity will enhance the development of innovative techniques that could not be achieved in isolation. A truly interdisciplinary network devoted to the study of angiogenesis will engage life scientists, clinicians, engineers and physical scientists in developing new approaches and methodologies to improve our understanding of angiogenesis in a variety of contexts, including normal development, wound healing, tumour growth, and tissue engineering.\r\rThe Network will establish and maintain a multi-disciplinary research consortium interested in determining the mechanisms controlling new blood vessel formation. A series of workshops will allow for the presenta" . . "2006-03-02" . "2009-05-01" . "No" . . "63348.5"^^ . "EP/D501083/1" . "Announced" . . "NETWORK: ANGIONET - Interdisciplinary Angiogenesis Network" . . . . . . "Future generations of optoelectronic devices may be produced through molecular self-assembly, utilising certain biomolecules with a density of optical and electrical circuitry unachievable via conventional technology. In our proposed work we aim to develop a platform for self-assembled biomaterials allowing transfer of energy to/from semiconductor structures, and hence integration with external conventional electronics. Our approach will use, and have control over, a method of energy transfer often found in naturally occurring systems which involves energy flow between very closely\rspaced oscillating dipoles." . . . "2005-12-01" . "2007-05-31" . "No" . . "86823.05"^^ . "EP/D50113X/1" . "Announced" . . "Hybrid bio-inorganic optoelectronic devices utilising energy transer pumping" . . . . . . "The University of Nottingham seeks funding from the EPSRC to create an international centre of excellence for the training of outstanding graduate students in a multi-disciplinary environment. Matched funding from AstraZeneca has already been agreed in principle to support this proposal. The theme of the Doctoral Training Centre is Targeted Therapeutics; research and training in this area will deliver both scientists and scientific platforms, both of which will be crucial to identifying innovative approaches to patient treatment, and therefore the future of the pharmaceutical industry." . . "2005-10-01" . "2010-09-30" . "Yes" . . "242203"^^ . "EP/D501849/1" . "Announced" . . "LSI Doctoral Training Centre - University of Nottingham" . . . . . . "We aim to evaluate the commercial viability of a novel gas sensor based on mid-infrared light-emitting diodes and photodetectors. These new components have been developed within previous EPSRC funded research and are now emerging from the research phase. The proposed work will focus on the temperature sensitivity of the optoelectronic devices and methods for temperature compensation o, stabilization. This is an essential requirement in real instruments and must be adequately addressed before commercialization can proceed.\rWe shall measure LED-detector pair output power and spectral characteristics over the required temperature range (-40 -+50C). Then we shall investigate the feasibility of using dual channel (signal & reference) ratio compensation and determine the residual temperature dependence. Temperature stabilization of the chips mounted on a thermo-electric cooler will also be investigated as an alternative \toption within the constraint of the overall instrument power requirements for portable operation." . . "2005-10-01" . "2006-03-31" . "No" . . "30455.62"^^ . "EP/D502888/1" . "Announced" . . "Temperature Sensitivity of Mid-Infrared LEDs and Detectors in Gas Sensor Instrumentation" . . . . . . "This proposal is based on a novel carbon-based adsorbent material (Nyex) developed by our collaborators (Nykin Developments) which can be electrochemically regenerated. The use of this approach for the treatment of an effluent to remove colour has been demonstrated with operating costs in the order of 0.3 p M3, compared with a cost for alternative techniques of 2-6 p m3. The electrical cost of regenerating the Nyex electrochemically is around 3/t compared with -400/t for regeneration of activated carbon.\rWe have identified a key market for this technology in the removal of low levels of toxic and non-biodegradable organics, such as Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs), for which there is no viable technology available. A demonstration cell is needed to market the technology in this area. This will enable direct marketing through on-site trials. In addition, a market evaluation will identify key opportunities so that the strategy is appropriately focussed, maximising the chances of success." . . "2005-07-01" . "2006-06-30" . "No" . . "57586.501"^^ . "EP/D503205/1" . "Announced" . . "Adsorption and Electrochemical Regeneration for Water Treatment" . . . . . . "Following the development of solvent free polymer electrolytes having ambient temperature conductivities (-10_3 Scm) of the order required to operate lithium batteries (10 to 100 times more conductive than conventional amorphous polymer electrolytes) it is proposed to develop cells with lithium metal anodes and composite cathodes to enhance their commercial potential Unlike the ionophilic conventional materials the new electrolytes are a weakly ionophilic blends of a low-dimensional amphiphi is polymer and a linear ion-bridging polymer with lithium salts. It is considered that lithium ions are transported with low activation energy as aggregates of ion pairs or quadrupoles. The novelty of this approach requires that their application in lithium cells is investigated by fabricating composite cathodes for Li intercalation into transition metal oxides e.g. V205, CoO2 or Mn02. The factors to be investigated include cathode composition, particle coatings to facilitate ion transfer across the electrolyte-ceramic interface and possibly to inhibit oxidative degradation, cell design and the phenomenon of `tracking' whereby the path of least resistance is created in the polymer electrolyte close to the crystal - liquid crystal transition temperature." . . "2005-12-01" . "2007-04-30" . "No" . . "53664.69"^^ . "EP/D503531/1" . "Announced" . . "Development of lithium batteries with low-dimensional polymer electrolytes" . . . . . . "Catalytic reactions are used across a wide range of industrial manufacturing applications from petrochemicals to fine chemicals. Basically, a catalyst is a material added to speed up the reaction, without being changed itself. In heterogeneous catalytic reactions, the catalyst consists of solid pellets loaded with metal active ingredients, which speed up the reaction in the gas or liquid phase. They are called 'supported metal catalysts'. Pd/alumina catalysts are an example of such a class of catalysts, which consist of an alumina support with a high surface area (200-300 m2/g) containing many small pores of the order of typically 1-50 nm in diameter. Within the catalyst pores, the Pd metal is deposited in clusters, which act as the active sites that catalyse reactions. During their lifetime catalysts deactivate, that is lose some of their ability to increase the rate of reaction. There are several reasons why this may happen, for example the reactants become transformed into unwanted side products, which stick to the catalyst surface. Over a period of time and under elevated temperatures these species effectively burn on to the catalyst surface to form carbonaceous deposits called coke. This has the effect of covering or deactivating the active metal sites, and also blocking the pores or hindering the passage of reacting molecules from the bulk fluid outside the catalyst to the active sites within the catalyst pellet.\rChemical Engineers are interested in ways to reduce catalyst deactivation so as to use the catalyst for as long as possible. This research proposal is concerned with doing just that. In particular, we seek to use supercritical fluids as special solvents for conducting catalytic reactions, since previous work has suggested that catalysts may deactivate less rapidly under such conditions. Supercritical fluids are substances which are heated and pressurised above a certain temperature and pressure called the critical point, which is a property of the substance itself. Above this point there is no longer a clear liquid and gas phase, but a single supercritical phase that has some of the properties of both. For example in supercritical fluids reactants display fast rates of diffusion like a gas, and dissolve other materials as well as a liquid can. We propose to exploit these advantages to help remove coke from the catalyst surface, by operating the reaction in a supercritical solvent such as C02. By carefully adjusting the pressure and temperature, the coke will be dissolved and transported in" . "Catalytic reactions are used across a wide range of industrial manufacturing applications from petrochemicals to fine chemicals. Basically, a catalyst is a material added to speed up the reaction, without being changed itself. In heterogeneous catalytic reactions, the catalyst consists of solid pellets loaded with metal active ingredients, which speed up the reaction in the gas or liquid phase. They are called 'supported metal catalysts'. Pd/alumina catalysts are an example of such a class of catalysts, which consist of an alumina support with a high surface area (200-300 m2/g) containing many small pores of the order of typically 1-50 nm in diameter. Within the catalyst pores, the Pd metal is deposited in clusters, which act as the active sites that catalyse reactions. During their lifetime catalysts deactivate, that is lose some of their ability to increase the rate of reaction. There are several reasons why this may happen, for example the reactants become transformed into unwanted side products, which stick to the catalyst surface. Over a period of time and under elevated temperatures these species effectively burn on to the catalyst surface to form carbonaceous deposits called coke. This has the effect of covering or deactivating the active metal sit" . . "2006-07-24" . "2010-01-23" . "Yes" . . "195466.8512"^^ . "EP/D503892/1" . "Announced" . . "Heterogeneous Catalysis in Supercritical Fluids: The Enhancement of Catalytic Stability to Coking" . . . . . . "The objectives of the proposed DTC are:\rTo train world class medical device researchers with high-level LSI skills\rTo create a unique interdisciplinary DTC which will advance medical devices, materials and related technologies in the UK and internationally\rTo create a working link to the MDFP which will in turn allow clinicians and the medical industry fast stream access to the specialist research in this DTC." . . "2005-10-01" . "Yes" . . "855399.02"^^ . "EP/D505321/1" . "Announced" . . "Doctoral Training Centre - University of Strathclyde" . . . . . . "One hundred and fifty years ago, Koch designed methods to look at bacteria in specimens. The methods remain unchanged to this day. Identifying bacteria in clinical samples is very labour intensive and takes a long time - up to ten days. This time delay in receiving any information on a clinical specimen means that the doctor has to 'best guess' which bacteria are causing the infection. For this reason, the prescription of antibiotics to treat the infection is often by guess work and may be wrong.\rIncorrect prescribing has contributed to the emergence of bacteria which resist conventional therapy. This is now a major world health problem. Our research plans to make assessment of bacterial infections rapid, on site in the clinic and, in the future by home-testing similar to diabetes monitoring. Knowing which and how many bacteria are present within a wound will allow the doctor to prescribe effective antibiotics quickly and to each person's needs for the best treatment.\rOur research programme will develop two new test systems to measure the number and type of bacteria in a leg wound. As a model, we will study bacteria in chronic skin wounds for two reasons. Firstly, these wounds represent a huge clinical problem, affecting three in every hundred people ov" . "One hundred and fifty years ago, Koch designed methods to look at bacteria in specimens. The methods remain unchanged to this day. Identifying bacteria in clinical samples is very labour intensive and takes a long time - up to ten days. This time delay in receiving any information on a clinical specimen means that the doctor has to 'best guess' which bacteria are causing the infection. For this reason, the prescription of antibiotics to treat the infection is often by guess work and may be wrong.\rIncorrect prescribing has contributed to the emergence of bacteria which resist conventional therapy. This is now a major world health problem. Our research plans to make assessment of bacterial infections rapid, on site in the clinic and, in the future by home-testing similar to diabetes monitoring. Knowing which and how many bacteria are present within a wound will allow the doctor to prescribe effective antibiotics quickly and to each person's needs for the best treatment.\rOur research programme will develop two new test systems to measure the number and type of bacteria in a leg wound. As a model, we will study bacteria in chronic skin wounds for two reasons. Firstly, these wounds represent a huge clinical problem, affecting three in every hundred people over 60 years old in the UK and costing 1 billion for the National Health Service to treat every year. Secondly, the information obtained will directly inform the best treatment for each patient, avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use.\rTwo systems will be researched, one to be left on the wound over time at home and the other for the doctor to use for an immediate report in the clinic. The intelligent dressing materials will work by measuring bacterial indicators by using biological proteins to create a digital instrument signal. The dressings will be tested first in the laboratory and then with patients suffering from leg wounds that are not healing.\rThe intelligent dressings will help reduce antibiotic use, indicating when wounds need treatment. The intelligent real-time systems also help to research the properties essential in new generations of antibiotics and explore the mechanisms that lead to bacteria becoming resistant to these treatments." . . "2006-01-01" . "2006-09-30" . "No" . . "534942.4168"^^ . "EP/D505437/1" . "Announced" . . "Improving Chronic Wound healing with Intelligent Dressings" . . . . . . "One hundred and fifty years ago, Koch designed methods to look at bacteria in specimens. The methods remain unchanged to this day. Identifying bacteria in clinical samples is very labour intensive and takes a long time - up to ten days. This time delay in receiving any information on a clinical specimen means that the doctor has to 'best guess' which bacteria are causing the infection. For this reason, the prescription of antibiotics to treat the infection is often by guess work and may be wrong.\rIncorrect prescribing has contributed to the emergence of bacteria which resist conventional therapy. This is now a major world health problem. Our research plans to make assessment of bacterial infections rapid, on site in the clinic and, in the future by home-testing similar to diabetes monitoring. Knowing which and how many bacteria are present within a wound will allow the doctor to prescribe effective antibiotics quickly and to each person's needs for the best treatment.\rOur research programme will develop two new test systems to measure the number and type of bacteria in a leg wound. As a model, we will study bacteria in chronic skin wounds for two reasons. Firstly, these wounds represent a huge clinical problem, affecting three in every hundred people ov" . "One hundred and fifty years ago, Koch designed methods to look at bacteria in specimens. The methods remain unchanged to this day. Identifying bacteria in clinical samples is very labour intensive and takes a long time - up to ten days. This time delay in receiving any information on a clinical specimen means that the doctor has to 'best guess' which bacteria are causing the infection. For this reason, the prescription of antibiotics to treat the infection is often by guess work and may be wrong.\rIncorrect prescribing has contributed to the emergence of bacteria which resist conventional therapy. This is now a major world health problem. Our research plans to make assessment of bacterial infections rapid, on site in the clinic and, in the future by home-testing similar to diabetes monitoring. Knowing which and how many bacteria are present within a wound will allow the doctor to prescribe effective antibiotics quickly and to each person's needs for the best treatment.\rOur research programme will develop two new test systems to measure the number and type of bacteria in a leg wound. As a model, we will study bacteria in chronic skin wounds for two reasons. Firstly, these wounds represent a huge clinical problem, affecting three in every hundred people over 60 years old in the UK and costing 1 billion for the National Health Service to treat every year. Secondly, the information obtained will directly inform the best treatment for each patient, avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use.\rTwo systems will be researched, one to be left on the wound over time at home and the other for the doctor to use for an immediate report in the clinic. The intelligent dressing materials will work by measuring bacterial indicators by using biological proteins to create a digital instrument signal. The dressings will be tested first in the laboratory and then with patients suffering from leg wounds that are not healing.\rThe intelligent dressings will help reduce antibiotic use, indicating when wounds need treatment. The intelligent real-time systems also help to research the properties essential in new generations of antibiotics and explore the mechanisms that lead to bacteria becoming resistant to these treatments." . . "2006-10-01" . "2009-06-30" . "No" . . "438989.1268"^^ . "EP/D505437/2" . "Announced" . . "Improving Chronic Wound healing with Intelligent Dressings" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2006-01-01" . "2009-06-30" . "No" . . "530557.3328"^^ . "EP/D505445/1" . "Announced" . . "Improving Chronic Wound healing with Intelligent Dressings" . . . . . . "Abstract Not Available" . . "2006-02-01" . "2009-07-31" . "No" . . "274824.5168"^^ . "EP/D505453/1" . "Announced" . . "Improving Chronic Wound healing with Intelligent Dressings" . . . . . . "1. Aero and Gas Turbine Engines (in close collaboration with Rolls-Royce plc)\r\r\rThe materials used in the hot stages of turbine engines operate in environments in which the temperatures are close to those at which the alloys melt, and in certain circumstances above. This can only be achieved by passing cooling air through the blades in the turbines to cool the surfaces exposed to the combustion gases. Turbine blades used in jet engines are safety critical items and represent the zenith of high performance castings whereby a complete blade in a compressor is a complex shaped single crystal.\r\r\rTo achieve advances in the field of casting aero and gas engine turbine blades in nickel base alloys, aluminides and potentially refractory metal intermetallic composites it is first necessary to establish a facility capable of the manufacture of full size or near full size components. This would then allow research into the effects of fundamental casting process parameters and material effects on defect formation and performance.\r\r\rSuch a facility would be established and key to the investigation and mapping of process and material effects on blade performance including:\r\r\rMetal handling and casting techniques and their effect on quality and performance C" . "1. Aero and Gas Turbine Engines (in close collaboration with Rolls-Royce plc)\r\r\rThe materials used in the hot stages of turbine engines operate in environments in which the temperatures are close to those at which the alloys melt, and in certain circumstances above. This can only be achieved by passing cooling air through the blades in the turbines to cool the surfaces exposed to the combustion gases. Turbine blades used in jet engines are safety critical items and represent the zenith of high performance castings whereby a complete blade in a compressor is a complex shaped single crystal.\r\r\rTo achieve advances in the field of casting aero and gas engine turbine blades in nickel base alloys, aluminides and potentially refractory metal intermetallic composites it is first necessary to establish a facility capable of the manufacture of full size or near full size components. This would then allow research into the effects of fundamental casting process parameters and material effects on defect formation and performance.\r\r\rSuch a facility would be established and key to the investigation and mapping of process and material effects on blade performance including:\r\r\rMetal handling and casting techniques and their effect on quality and performance Characterisation and mapping of the casting properties of alloys\rEnhancing solidification rates for single crystal manufacture\rMaterial property and performance enhancement to increase engine efficiency Interactions between blade design and performance / quality\rPrototyping techniques to allow manufacture of test materials and components\rEngineered interface development for resistance to wear and oxidation occurring at the blade surface 2. High Performance Light Alloy Casting\r\r\rThe ability to predict the relationship between a casting process, microstructure, casting defects and properties will be key to the competitive development and launch in the future of structural aluminium castings.\r\r\rRecent research has gone some way to making modelling of casting properties a reality, with improved mechanistic and statistical / probabilistic modelling of casting defects, particularly micro shrinkage porosity. However, this is only one element of a host of factors determining properties, several of which remain poorly understood or described, yet are critical to casting performance." . . . "2005-05-01" . "2010-04-30" . "Yes" . . "653533.47"^^ . "EP/D505569/1" . "Announced" . . "EPSRC/Rolls-Royce Star Appointment in Casting Technology - Named candidate Dr N R Green" . . . . . . "The National Centre provides a wide range of advanced semiconductor materials to UK universities in order to carry out research into devices and physics with applications in telecommunications (including the internet), light emitting diodes, lasers, mobile phones, high frequency radar and ultra high speed optoelectronics and electronics. The structures are produced in the form of a series of thin nanoscale layers, the thickness of which can be controlled to within just a few atoms. Such structures offer new physical effects related to their small dimensions which enable the invention of a wide range of devices such as lasers for optical fibre telecommunications, precise drug delivery and pollution control. Other devices made from these structures can detect a wide range of optical wavelengths for imaging systems and form efficient solar cells." . . "2006-07-01" . "2010-06-30" . "Yes" . . "4612326.9292"^^ . "EP/D505712/1" . "Announced" . . "Support for the EPSRC National Centre for III-V Technologies at Sheffield" . . . . . . "This is a request for funding to support an eight months visit to the Institute for Materials Research at the University of Leeds by Professor Manoj Gupta of National University of Singapore. Professor Gupta (Visiting Fellow) has research interest in microwave processing of metal-ceramic composites for advanced technological applications whereas Dr. Kale (Host) has research interest in ceramic materials used for the development of gas sensors. The complementary research expertise of Prof. Gupta and Dr. Kale will enable us to focus on the application of microwave processing technique to sensor materials during the 8 months visit of Prof. Gupta to IMR, Leeds. Leeds does not have any research activity in the area of microwave processing of ceramic materials and the area of research will not only benefit Dr. Kale's research group but also other research groups such as the Electroceramic and Photoinic materials research group at IMR, Leeds. Hence the three main aims of the Visiting Fellowship are (1) for CeraAs research group at Leeds to benefit from the expertise of Prof. Gupta in the microwave processing of functional ceramic materials especially for sensors and actuators applications, (2) for Prof. Gupta to become familiar with the experimental setup and procedures involved in electrical characterisation of materials using ac- and dc- technique and, sensor fabrication and testing procedures and (3) to establish the foundation for future more formal and longer term collaboration between the University of Leeds and National University of Singapore." . "This is a request for funding to support an eight months visit to the Institute for Materials Research at the University of Leeds by Professor Manoj Gupta of National University of Singapore. Professor Gupta (Visiting Fellow) has research interest in microwave processing of metal-ceramic composites for advanced technological applications whereas Dr. Kale (Host) has research interest in ceramic materials used for the development of gas sensors. The complementary research expertise of Prof. Gupta and Dr. Kale will enable us to focus on the application of microwave processing technique to sensor materials during the 8 months visit of Prof. Gupta to IMR, Leeds. Leeds does not have any research activity in the area of microwave processing of ceramic materials and the area of research will not only benefit Dr. Kale's research group but also other research groups such as the Electroceramic and Photoinic materials research group at IMR, Leeds. Hence the three main aims of the Visiting Fellowship are (1) for CeraAs research group at Leeds to benefit from the expertise of Prof. Gupta in the microwave processing of functional ceramic materials especially for sensors and actuators applications, (2) for Prof. Gupta to become familiar with the experimental setup and pr" . . "2005-07-01" . "2006-02-28" . "No" . . "10950"^^ . "EP/D50693X/1" . "Announced" . . "Visiting Fellow: Professor Manoj Gupta, National University of Singapore" . . . . . "All matter deforms under load. Engineers predict such deformations through detailed analyses drawing upon fundamental scientific principles in order to design the extraordinary structures and components that shape our lives (be they civil aircraft, cable-stayed bridges or artificial hips). Calculations of this kind depend crucially upon a sound mathematical basis. Lightweight composite materials, highly deformable (rubber-like) polymers and living tissues, for example, pose new challenges to the analyst.\rWhile all engineers undergo training in applied mathematics, there is a need for instruction at a higher level for engineering researchers. The Durham Summer School will offer a body of up to 60 UK postgraduate students the chance to develop their skills in the area of advanced continuum mechanics, which forms the basis of powerful computer-based simulation methods used by engineers to determine complex stress fields, material deformations and potential rupture modes.\rThe 7-day School will take the form of a series of focussed lectures from leading mathematicians and specialist engineers, plus more informal tutorial sessions designed to help students understand and practice the advanced techniques." . . "2006-09-19" . "2007-03-18" . "No" . . "45707.1"^^ . "EP/D507863/1" . "Announced" . . "Advances in Continuum Mechanics: The Nonlinear Deformation of Solids" . . . . . . "This discipline hopping project is proposed on the basis of mutual interest of the two academics, stimulated by the recent EPSRC event aimed at interfacing Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, with a strong desire to build critical mass in developing a novel continuous and fully scalable interfacial reactor for producing high value-added nanoparticulate products. These materials have potential applications in various industrial sectors such as electronics, fine chemicals, catalysis, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, healthcare and medicine. The aim is to establish a substantial long term collaboration that bridges the chemistry-chemical engineering interface, which will have the value-added effect of pump-priming new areas of research of both academic and industrial relevance. \rThe project is concerned about a novel reacting system for continuous production of nanoparticles through interfacial templating, and further development of the system for large scale production. The research builds upon the complementary expertise of the applicants in reactor design, interfacial physics, interfacial chemistry, redox processes, nanoparticle characterisation, fluid mechanics, and multiphase transport phenomena. It will enable initial design of a fully scalable reacting system and preliminary experiments on the system.\r\rThe two academics have each established active and flourishing research groups: they are keen to explore the broader applications of their research, using this EPSRC scheme as a springboard. This project will enable them to realise their ambitions in this direction and to gain an in-depth understanding of the state-of-the-art in the other participant's discipline." . "This discipline hopping project is proposed on the basis of mutual interest of the two academics, stimulated by the recent EPSRC event aimed at interfacing Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, with a strong desire to build critical mass in developing a novel continuous and fully scalable interfacial reactor for producing high value-added nanoparticulate products. These materials have potential applications in various industrial sectors such as electronics, fine chemicals, catalysis, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, healthcare and medicine. The aim is to establish a substantial long term collaboration that bridges the chemistry-chemical engineering interface, which will have the value-added effect of pump-priming new areas of research of both academic and industrial relevance. \rThe project is concerned about a novel reacting system for continuous production of nanoparticles through interfacial templating, and further development of the system for large scale production. The research builds upon the complementary expertise of the applicants in reactor design, interfacial physics, interfacial chemistry, redox processes, nanoparticle characterisation, fluid mechanics, and multiphase transport phenomena. It will enable initial design of a fully scalable reacting syst" . . "2007-03-01" . "2009-05-31" . "No" . . "59342.96"^^ . "EP/E00041X/1" . "Announced" . . "A Contiunuous and Fully Scalable Interfacial Reactor for Nanoparticle Production" . . . . . . "This discipline hopping project is proposed on the basis of mutual interest of the two academics, stimulated by the recent EPSRC event aimed at interfacing Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, with a strong desire to build critical mass in developing a novel continuous and fully scalable interfacial reactor for producing high value-added nanoparticulate products. These materials have potential applications in various industrial sectors such as electronics, fine chemicals, catalysis, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, healthcare and medicine. The aim is to establish a substantial long term collaboration that bridges the chemistry-chemical engineering interface, which will have the value-added effect of pump-priming new areas of research of both academic and industrial relevance. The project is concerned about a novel reacting system for continuous production of nanoparticles through interfacial templating, and further development of the system for large scale production. The research builds upon the complementary expertise of the applicants in reactor design, interfacial physics, interfacial chemistry, redox processes, nanoparticle characterisation, fluid mechanics, and multiphase transport phenomena. It will enable initial design of a fully scalable reacting system and preliminary experiments on the system.\r\rThe two academics have each established active and flourishing research groups: they are keen to explore the broader applications of their research, using this EPSRC scheme as a springboard. This project will enable them to realise their ambitions in this direction and to gain an in-depth understanding of the state-of-the-art in the other participant's discipline." . "This discipline hopping project is proposed on the basis of mutual interest of the two academics, stimulated by the recent EPSRC event aimed at interfacing Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, with a strong desire to build critical mass in developing a novel continuous and fully scalable interfacial reactor for producing high value-added nanoparticulate products. These materials have potential applications in various industrial sectors such as electronics, fine chemicals, catalysis, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, healthcare and medicine. The aim is to establish a substantial long term collaboration that bridges the chemistry-chemical engineering interface, which will have the value-added effect of pump-priming new areas of research of both academic and industrial relevance. The project is concerned about a novel reacting system for continuous production of nanoparticles through interfacial templating, and further development of the system for large scale production. The research builds upon the complementary expertise of the applicants in reactor design, interfacial physics, interfacial chemistry, redox processes, nanoparticle characterisation, fluid mechanics, and multiphase transport phenomena. It will enable initial design of a fully scalable reacting syst" . . "2007-04-01" . "2009-06-30" . "No" . . "54328.32"^^ . "EP/E000665/1" . "Announced" . . "A Contiunuous and Fully Scalable Interfacial Reactor for Nanoparticle Production" . . . . . . "This research will primarily develop a novel technique to grow a high volume of high quality gallium nitride for use in optoelectronic, microelectronic and biomedical devices.\r\rIt is currently very difficult to produce large single crystal gallium nitride due to the high pressures and temperatures required, and this is inhibiting the wide uptake of this disruptive material technology. Instead, the technique involved in this proposal uses a high density of minature columns with dimensions on the nano-scale to initiate the chemical growth of a large crystal from a crystal of another material that has a different crystal structure. The columns reduce the problems associated with the different crystal structures and has the potential to produce high quality gallium nitride at relatively low cost.\r\rThe research will determine the optimum column size and the best conditions for the crystal growth by theoretical modelling and experimentation. Three different complementary growth techniques at the universities of Nottingham and Bath will be used, and the advanced characterisation techniques and expertise at Bristol University will provide essential feedback and understanding of the nanostructures to the growth personnel." . . "2006-12-01" . "2008-11-30" . "No" . . "210490.2"^^ . "EP/E000673/1" . "Announced" . . "Growth of thick and flat high quality GaN using nano-column compliant layers" . . . . . . "Healthcare treatment has improved significantly over the last 30 years to such an extent that the average male and female life expectancy has risen to 76 and 81 years, respectively. Consequently, medical advancements are resulting in a continually aging population that typically require a greater number of medical treatments and inevitably hospitalisation. In this respect, the use of medical devices inserted into a patient's body is now routine in healthcare management within hospitals and nursing homes. Although there are substantial benefits associated with the use of inserted medical devices, there are very worryingly a number of potentially dangerous complications that may lead to an increase in the time patients remain in hospital and more importantly in an increase in the number of patient deaths associated with the use of these devices. These complications arise principally because of the way in which a patient's body reacts to insertion of a medical device and what it perceives to be as a foreign object. Consequently patients are often plagued by infection associated with the insertion of a medical device and this is seen to be one of the most critical disadvantages of an otherwise highly effective and beneficial medical treatment, costing the NHS" . "Healthcare treatment has improved significantly over the last 30 years to such an extent that the average male and female life expectancy has risen to 76 and 81 years, respectively. Consequently, medical advancements are resulting in a continually aging population that typically require a greater number of medical treatments and inevitably hospitalisation. In this respect, the use of medical devices inserted into a patient's body is now routine in healthcare management within hospitals and nursing homes. Although there are substantial benefits associated with the use of inserted medical devices, there are very worryingly a number of potentially dangerous complications that may lead to an increase in the time patients remain in hospital and more importantly in an increase in the number of patient deaths associated with the use of these devices. These complications arise principally because of the way in which a patient's body reacts to insertion of a medical device and what it perceives to be as a foreign object. Consequently patients are often plagued by infection associated with the insertion of a medical device and this is seen to be one of the most critical disadvantages of an otherwise highly effective and beneficial medical treatment, costing the NHS approximately 500 million per year. Therefore there is an urgent need to improve what is often referred to as device-related infection through the development of new intelligent medical devices. The main objectives of this research proposal are to improve the current situation for patients requiring the insertion of medical devices using new, intelligent materials that will minimise the likelihood of patients developing infection and represents a movement towards highly technological, high performance devices. The development of such materials may result in shorter hospital stays, fewer hospital readmissions and reduce the need for surgical interventions. This would consequently provide significant benefits to patients in respect of minimising the frequency of device-related infection, and the loss of life. The materials to be developed in this project function in such a way that they deliver drugs to the source of infection, known to be on the device surface, in a controlled way. In doing this the drugs can accumulate at concentrations that will ultimately kill bacteria and prevent patients developing infections. One of the major advantages of this new technology is that it allows much higher drug concentrations at the site of infection in comparison to" . . "2006-10-01" . "2009-09-30" . "Yes" . . "137480.03"^^ . "EP/E000681/1" . "Announced" . . "Innovative Multi-Layer Drug Eluting/Self-Cleansing Urinary Biomaterials" . . . . . . "An electrochromic material (an 'electrochrome') is one where a reversible colour change takes place upon reduction (gain of electrons) or oxidation (loss of electrons), on passage of electrical current after the application of an appropriate electrode potential. Commercial applications of electrochromes include anti-glare car mirrors, electrochromic strips as battery state-of-charge indicators and electrochromic sunglasses. Proposed applications include 'smart windows' (based on modulation of either the transmitted or reflected solar radiation) for use in cars and in buildings, re-usable price labels, protective eyewear, controllable aircraft canopies, glare-reduction systems for offices, devices for frozen-food monitoring, camouflage materials, spacecraft thermal control, and controllable light-reflective or light-transmissive devices (displays) for optical information and storage. Many chemical species show electrochromic properties, including metal coordination complexes, both in solution and as polymer films, inorganic charge-transfer complexes, metal oxides (especially tungsten trioxide), viologens (bipyridylium salts) and electroactive conjugated polymers such as polypyrroles and polythiophenes. This research programme follows on from practical research undertaken by Dr Mortimer during September to December 2004 and March/April 2005 in the laboratories of Professor J R Reynolds in the Department of Chemistry, University of Florida, funded, in part, by an EPSRC overseas travel grant. The new research programme aims are to foster this developing research collaboration with the internationally-leading electrochromic conjugated polymers research group; to apply the technique of in situ colorimetry ('colour analysis') to the broad range of available electrochromic materials; to investigate the effect of conjugated polymer deposition technique and film thickness on perceived colour; to optimise contrast ratio through morphology control; to study mechanistic aspects of viologen electrochromicity; to construct and study novel electrochromic devices; and to train UK researchers in these various techniques, towards the benefit of UK academia and industry." . "An electrochromic material (an 'electrochrome') is one where a reversible colour change takes place upon reduction (gain of electrons) or oxidation (loss of electrons), on passage of electrical current after the application of an appropriate electrode potential. Commercial applications of electrochromes include anti-glare car mirrors, electrochromic strips as battery state-of-charge indicators and electrochromic sunglasses. Proposed applications include 'smart windows' (based on modulation of either the transmitted or reflected solar radiation) for use in cars and in buildings, re-usable price labels, protective eyewear, controllable aircraft canopies, glare-reduction systems for offices, devices for frozen-food monitoring, camouflage materials, spacecraft thermal control, and controllable light-reflective or light-transmissive devices (displays) for optical information and storage. Many chemical species show electrochromic properties, including metal coordination complexes, both in solution and as polymer films, inorganic charge-transfer complexes, metal oxides (especially tungsten trioxide), viologens (bipyridylium salts) and electroactive conjugated polymers such as polypyrroles and polythiophenes. This research programme follows on from practical res" . . "2006-09-01" . "2009-08-31" . "No" . . "24741.97"^^ . "EP/E000746/1" . "Announced" . . "Advances in the study of electrochromic materials (overseas travel grant)" . . . . . . "It is now widely accepted that up to ten years are needed to take a drug from discovery to availability for general healthcare treatment. This means that only a limited time is available where a company is able to recover its very high investment costs in making a drug available via exclusivity in the market and via patents. The next generation drugs will be even more complex and difficult to manufacture. If these are going to be available at affordable costs via commercially viable processes then the speed of drug development has to be increased while ensuring robustness and safety in manufacture. The research in this proposal addresses the challenging transition from bench to large scale where the considerable changes in the way materials are handled can severely affect the properties and ways of manufacture of the drug. \r\rThe research will combine novel approaches to scale down with automated robotic methods to acquire data at a very early stage of new drug development. Such data will be relatable to production at scale, a major deliverable of this programme. Computer-based bioprocess modelling methods will bring together this data with process design methods to explore rapidly the best options for the manufacture of a new biopharmaceutical. By this m" . "It is now widely accepted that up to ten years are needed to take a drug from discovery to availability for general healthcare treatment. This means that only a limited time is available where a company is able to recover its very high investment costs in making a drug available via exclusivity in the market and via patents. The next generation drugs will be even more complex and difficult to manufacture. If these are going to be available at affordable costs via commercially viable processes then the speed of drug development has to be increased while ensuring robustness and safety in manufacture. The research in this proposal addresses the challenging transition from bench to large scale where the considerable changes in the way materials are handled can severely affect the properties and ways of manufacture of the drug. \r\rThe research will combine novel approaches to scale down with automated robotic methods to acquire data at a very early stage of new drug development. Such data will be relatable to production at scale, a major deliverable of this programme. Computer-based bioprocess modelling methods will bring together this data with process design methods to explore rapidly the best options for the manufacture of a new biopharmaceutical. By this means those involved in new drug development will, even at the early discovery stage, be able to define the scale up challenges. The relatively small amounts of precious discovery material needed for such studies means they must be of low cost and that automation of the studies means they will be applicable rapidly to a wide range of drug candidates. Hence even though a substantial number of these candidates may ultimately fail clinical trials it will still be feasible to explore process scale up challenges as safety and efficency studies are proceeding. For those drugs which prove to be effective healthcare treatments it will be possible then to go much faster to full scale operation and hence recoup the high investment costs.\r\rAs society moves towards posing even greater demands for effective long-term healthcare, such as personalised medicines, these radical solutions are needed to make it possible to provide the new treatments which are going to be increasingly demanding to manufature." . . "2007-04-01" . "2012-03-31" . "Yes" . . "5913161.73"^^ . "EP/E001599/1" . "Announced" . . "IMRC for Bioprocessing" . . . . . . "Over the past 30 years, the increase in performance of integrated circuits and the reduction in the cost of computers have been achieved through the miniaturisation of transistors and their denser integration on a semiconductor chip. This scaling down has been accompanied by a reduction in the area and pitch of interconnects to the point where today circuit speed is limited, not by transistors, but by the severe losses experienced when electrical signals travel through metal wires at high frequencies. To carry on enhancing system performance, semiconductor industry roadmaps envision replacing metal wires with wireless interconnects. Broadcasting signals in free space promises extremely high-speed communication channels that transmit data without attenuation and adaptive wireless networks that are secure and tolerant to hardware defects. Integrating communication capabilities at the chip level accelerates the convergence of computing and communication systems to ultimately enable all computers to communicate and all communication devices to compute. To implement this vision physicists must now conceive novel emitter and receiver devices directed towards making inter/intra-chip interconnects.\rWe aim to generate microwaves by a process of 'inverse elect" . "Over the past 30 years, the increase in performance of integrated circuits and the reduction in the cost of computers have been achieved through the miniaturisation of transistors and their denser integration on a semiconductor chip. This scaling down has been accompanied by a reduction in the area and pitch of interconnects to the point where today circuit speed is limited, not by transistors, but by the severe losses experienced when electrical signals travel through metal wires at high frequencies. To carry on enhancing system performance, semiconductor industry roadmaps envision replacing metal wires with wireless interconnects. Broadcasting signals in free space promises extremely high-speed communication channels that transmit data without attenuation and adaptive wireless networks that are secure and tolerant to hardware defects. Integrating communication capabilities at the chip level accelerates the convergence of computing and communication systems to ultimately enable all computers to communicate and all communication devices to compute. To implement this vision physicists must now conceive novel emitter and receiver devices directed towards making inter/intra-chip interconnects.\rWe aim to generate microwaves by a process of 'inverse electron spin resonance' that we will demonstrate in hybrid semiconductor/ferromagnetic structures. The stray magnetic field emanating from ultra-small magnetic elements will thread a sheet of free electrons trapped at the interface between two semiconductors. We will apply an electrical current to this system to activate electron oscillations in the microscopically inhomogeneous magnetic field. An electron carries a tiny magnetic moment that aligns with a magnetic field in the same way as a compass needle aligns with the Earth magnetic field. The electron magnetic moment is therefore sensitive to the stray magnetic field emanating from a nano-magnet as the electron oscillates underneath it. The stray magnetic field vector component oriented in the plane of the semiconductor interface has constant amplitude and causes the electron magnetic moment to gyrate at constant speed, with the same precession motion as a spinning top. By contrast, the magnetic field vector component perpendicular to the plane oscillates at the frequency of the electron oscillator. When the precession frequency equals the oscillator frequency, the electron magnetic moment resonantly radiates microwave energy.\rWe will combine precision lithography with thin film deposition techniqu" . . "2006-12-01" . "2009-11-30" . "Yes" . . "27411.64"^^ . "EP/E001688/1" . "Announced" . . "Nanoscale Microwave Sources Based on Planar Spin Oscillators for Integrating Wireless Communications on the Computing Platform" . . . . . . "Over the past 30 years, the increase in performance of integrated circuits and the reduction in the cost of computers have been achieved through the miniaturisation of transistors and their denser integration on a semiconductor chip. This scaling down has been accompanied by a reduction in the area and pitch of interconnects to the point where today circuit speed is limited, not by transistors, but by the severe losses experienced when electrical signals travel through metal wires at high frequencies. To carry on enhancing system performance, semiconductor industry roadmaps envision replacing metal wires with wireless interconnects. Broadcasting signals in free space promises extremely high-speed communication channels that transmit data without attenuation and adaptive wireless networks that are secure and tolerant to hardware defects. Integrating communication capabilities at the chip level accelerates the convergence of computing and communication systems to ultimately enable all computers to communicate and all communication devices to compute. To implement this vision physicists must now conceive novel emitter and receiver devices directed towards making inter/intra-chip interconnects.\rWe aim to generate microwaves by a process of 'inverse elect" . "Over the past 30 years, the increase in performance of integrated circuits and the reduction in the cost of computers have been achieved through the miniaturisation of transistors and their denser integration on a semiconductor chip. This scaling down has been accompanied by a reduction in the area and pitch of interconnects to the point where today circuit speed is limited, not by transistors, but by the severe losses experienced when electrical signals travel through metal wires at high frequencies. To carry on enhancing system performance, semiconductor industry roadmaps envision replacing metal wires with wireless interconnects. Broadcasting signals in free space promises extremely high-speed communication channels that transmit data without attenuation and adaptive wireless networks that are secure and tolerant to hardware defects. Integrating communication capabilities at the chip level accelerates the convergence of computing and communication systems to ultimately enable all computers to communicate and all communication devices to compute. To implement this vision physicists must now conceive novel emitter and receiver devices directed towards making inter/intra-chip interconnects.\rWe aim to generate microwaves by a process of 'inverse electron spin resonance' that we will demonstrate in hybrid semiconductor/ferromagnetic structures. The stray magnetic field emanating from ultra-small magnetic elements will thread a sheet of free electrons trapped at the interface between two semiconductors. We will apply an electrical current to this system to activate electron oscillations in the microscopically inhomogeneous magnetic field. An electron carries a tiny magnetic moment that aligns with a magnetic field in the same way as a compass needle aligns with the Earth magnetic field. The electron magnetic moment is therefore sensitive to the stray magnetic field emanating from a nano-magnet as the electron oscillates underneath it. The stray magnetic field vector component oriented in the plane of the semiconductor interface has constant amplitude and causes the electron magnetic moment to gyrate at constant speed, with the same precession motion as a spinning top. By contrast, the magnetic field vector component perpendicular to the plane oscillates at the frequency of the electron oscillator. When the precession frequency equals the oscillator frequency, the electron magnetic moment resonantly radiates microwave energy.\rWe will combine precision lithography with thin film deposition techniqu" . . "2006-12-04" . "2010-03-03" . "Yes" . . "463447.39"^^ . "EP/E002390/1" . "Announced" . . "Nanoscale Microwave Sources Based on Planar Spin Oscillators for Integrating Wireless Communications on the Computing Platform" . . . . . . "Mixing ceramics in the form of particulate or fibres with metals gives the materials' engineer another class of materials and expands their design envelope. These materials are known as Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs). The final properties of the MMCs are influenced by the properties of the ceramic, the matrix and the interface between the two. This short programme of work will investigate the influence that the ceramic particles have on the structure, and therefore properties, of the metal matrix during the manufacturing stage.\r\rCeramic particulate performs will be infiltrated with either an aluminium alloy or a Ni-based superalloy under controlled conditions. For the aluminium alloy this means using controlled uphill filling and impregnation of the perform. For the superalloy this means controlling temperature gradient and solidification rate in a single crystal furnace. Both aluminium and nickel-based materials microstructures will be characterised and related back to the processing conditions.\r\rThis new work will be compared with some previously unpublished work on the change of microstructures observed in fibre reinforced aluminium based MMCs. The final outcome of the work will be to influence the development of techniques for modelling microstructure" . "Mixing ceramics in the form of particulate or fibres with metals gives the materials' engineer another class of materials and expands their design envelope. These materials are known as Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs). The final properties of the MMCs are influenced by the properties of the ceramic, the matrix and the interface between the two. This short programme of work will investigate the influence that the ceramic particles have on the structure, and therefore properties, of the metal matrix during the manufacturing stage.\r\rCeramic particulate performs will be infiltrated with either an aluminium alloy or a Ni-based superalloy under controlled conditions. For the aluminium alloy this means using controlled uphill filling and impregnation of the perform. For the superalloy this means controlling temperature gradient and solidification rate in a single crystal furnace. Both aluminium and nickel-based materials microstructures will be characterised and related back to the processing conditions.\r\rThis new work will be compared with some previously unpublished work on the change of microstructures observed in fibre reinforced aluminium based MMCs. The final outcome of the work will be to influence the development of techniques for modelling microstructures in process modelling codes using the cellular automaton method." . . . "2006-03-27" . "2006-09-26" . "No" . . "53539.58"^^ . "EP/E002498/1" . "Announced" . . "Visiting Fellowship for Professor Matthew Krane: The Interaction of Solidification and Infiltration in Metal Matrix Composite Processing" . . . . . . "Over the past 30 years, the increase in performance of integrated circuits and the reduction in the cost of computers have been achieved through the miniaturisation of transistors and their denser integration on a semiconductor chip. This scaling down has been accompanied by a reduction in the area and pitch of interconnects to the point where today circuit speed is limited, not by transistors, but by the severe losses experienced when electrical signals travel through metal wires at high frequencies. To carry on enhancing system performance, semiconductor industry roadmaps envision replacing metal wires with wireless interconnects. Broadcasting signals in free space promises extremely high-speed communication channels that transmit data without attenuation and adaptive wireless networks that are secure and tolerant to hardware defects. Integrating communication capabilities at the chip level accelerates the convergence of computing and communication systems to ultimately enable all computers to communicate and all communication devices to compute. To implement this vision physicists must now conceive novel emitter and receiver devices directed towards making inter/intra-chip interconnects.\rWe aim to generate microwaves by a process of 'inverse elect" . "Over the past 30 years, the increase in performance of integrated circuits and the reduction in the cost of computers have been achieved through the miniaturisation of transistors and their denser integration on a semiconductor chip. This scaling down has been accompanied by a reduction in the area and pitch of interconnects to the point where today circuit speed is limited, not by transistors, but by the severe losses experienced when electrical signals travel through metal wires at high frequencies. To carry on enhancing system performance, semiconductor industry roadmaps envision replacing metal wires with wireless interconnects. Broadcasting signals in free space promises extremely high-speed communication channels that transmit data without attenuation and adaptive wireless networks that are secure and tolerant to hardware defects. Integrating communication capabilities at the chip level accelerates the convergence of computing and communication systems to ultimately enable all computers to communicate and all communication devices to compute. To implement this vision physicists must now conceive novel emitter and receiver devices directed towards making inter/intra-chip interconnects.\rWe aim to generate microwaves by a process of 'inverse electron spin resonance' that we will demonstrate in hybrid semiconductor/ferromagnetic structures. The stray magnetic field emanating from ultra-small magnetic elements will thread a sheet of free electrons trapped at the interface between two semiconductors. We will apply an electrical current to this system to activate electron oscillations in the microscopically inhomogeneous magnetic field. An electron carries a tiny magnetic moment that aligns with a magnetic field in the same way as a compass needle aligns with the Earth magnetic field. The electron magnetic moment is therefore sensitive to the stray magnetic field emanating from a nano-magnet as the electron oscillates underneath it. The stray magnetic field vector component oriented in the plane of the semiconductor interface has constant amplitude and causes the electron magnetic moment to gyrate at constant speed, with the same precession motion as a spinning top. By contrast, the magnetic field vector component perpendicular to the plane oscillates at the frequency of the electron oscillator. When the precession frequency equals the oscillator frequency, the electron magnetic moment resonantly radiates microwave energy.\rWe will combine precision lithography with thin film deposition techniqu" . . "2007-02-22" . "2010-02-21" . "Yes" . . "65195.48"^^ . "EP/E002501/1" . "Announced" . . "Nanoscale Microwave Sources Based on Planar Spin Oscillators for Integrating Wireless Communications on the Computing Platform" . . . . . . "Silicon Carbide (SiC) offers the potential for dramatic improvements in the efficiency and range of applications for power electronics and electronic sensor technologies. It is thus expected to play an important role in the energy and transport technologies of the 21st Century. The European Conference on Silicon Carbide and Related Materials (ECSCRM) is a biannual conference which takes place in even years and interleaves with its sister conference, the International Conference on Silicon Carbide and Related Materials (ICSCRM). Both conferences attract over 400 delegates from a wide range of countries and are recognised as the premier conferences dealing with SiC electronics technology. The 6th edition of ECSCRM will take place in Newcastle upon Tyne during September 2006, a fact that reflects the growing importance of the UK as an internationally leading research player in this field and the pivotal role that the University of Newcastle has played in raising the profile of UK SiC electronics research. This will be the first time that an international conference on SiC electronics has taken place in the UK. It thus represents an excellent opportunity firstly to raise the profile of UK-based SiC electronics research and secondly to engage a broader spectrum of UK research organisations and industry in SiC electronics through participation in the conference.\r\rThe support requested from EPSRC and detailed in this proposal will be used to provide a financial support package for the travel and accommodation expenses of international keynote speakers and thus offset some of that increase. Support for the registration fees of the keynote speakers will be sought through a sponsorship package which will be offered to interested industrial organisations (further details are given below). The funding will ensure that the top researchers from around the world are attracted to the conference, both as invited speakers and as delegates. Keynote speakers from outside of Europe, and in particular from the United States, Japan and the far-east will be the principal targets for the funding." . "Silicon Carbide (SiC) offers the potential for dramatic improvements in the efficiency and range of applications for power electronics and electronic sensor technologies. It is thus expected to play an important role in the energy and transport technologies of the 21st Century. The European Conference on Silicon Carbide and Related Materials (ECSCRM) is a biannual conference which takes place in even years and interleaves with its sister conference, the International Conference on Silicon Carbide and Related Materials (ICSCRM). Both conferences attract over 400 delegates from a wide range of countries and are recognised as the premier conferences dealing with SiC electronics technology. The 6th edition of ECSCRM will take place in Newcastle upon Tyne during September 2006, a fact that reflects the growing importance of the UK as an internationally leading research player in this field and the pivotal role that the University of Newcastle has played in raising the profile of UK SiC electronics research. This will be the first time that an international conference on SiC electronics has taken place in the UK. It thus represents an excellent opportunity firstly to raise the profile of UK-based SiC electronics research and secondly to engage a broader spectru" . . "2006-09-27" . "2007-03-26" . "No" . . "20000"^^ . "EP/E002889/1" . "Announced" . . "Support for the 6th European Conference on Silicon Carbide and Related Materials (ECSCRM)" . . . . . . "Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is one of the most powerful means of determining molecular structure, making significant contributions over the last 25 years to the study of biological molecules, such as proteins. More recently, NMR has also emerged as an important technique for studying complex molecular systems in the solid phase. Examples include membrane proteins, supramolecular assemblies, biological interfaces, polymers, molecular sieves, ionic conductors, nanocomposite materials and catalysts, systems which will underpin a host of scientific and technological developments in the future.\rDetailed information about molecular structure is obtained from orientation-dependent nuclear spin interactions, such as the chemical shift anisotropy (CSA). Measurements of these can be made from wideline NMR spectra of powdered solids which show singularities corresponding directly to the principal components of the tensor which describes the interaction. However, spectral overlap means that it is often necessary to resort instead to an analysis of the intensities of the rotational sidebands which appear in the magic angle spinning (MAS) spectrum, and this approach has become routine in the case of the CSA. Furthermore, it has been shown recently that analysis of a moderate number (approximately 8 / 10) of spinning sidebands usually gives more reliable results than fitting the wideline spectrum. A relatively low spinning rate is normally required to give this many sidebands, and so many two-dimensional MAS NMR experiments have been developed which separate the sideband manifolds from different sites and further improve resolution. In particular, we have shown how to record spectra in which the sideband intensities are identical to those expected for a sample spinning at some fraction of the actual MAS rate. This 'CSA amplification' experiment represents a new approach to the measurement of spinning sideband intensities and is the starting point for the research programme proposed here.\rIn the course of the research we will broaden the scope of CSA amplification to include other interactions, scaling them to make measurement of the corresponding tensors feasible in situations where conventional methods fail. We will make measurements of CSA parameters in systems which are challenging for conventional methods. We will compare the results with calculated tensors to extract structural information and to make assignments in poorly-resolved MAS spectra. In addition, we will investigate how exper" . "Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is one of the most powerful means of determining molecular structure, making significant contributions over the last 25 years to the study of biological molecules, such as proteins. More recently, NMR has also emerged as an important technique for studying complex molecular systems in the solid phase. Examples include membrane proteins, supramolecular assemblies, biological interfaces, polymers, molecular sieves, ionic conductors, nanocomposite materials and catalysts, systems which will underpin a host of scientific and technological developments in the future.\rDetailed information about molecular structure is obtained from orientation-dependent nuclear spin interactions, such as the chemical shift anisotropy (CSA). Measurements of these can be made from wideline NMR spectra of powdered solids which show singularities corresponding directly to the principal components of the tensor which describes the interaction. However, spectral overlap means that it is often necessary to resort instead to an analysis of the intensities of the rotational sidebands which appear in the magic angle spinning (MAS) spectrum, and this approach has become routine in the case of the CSA. Furthermore, it has been shown recentl" . . "2006-09-01" . "2009-08-31" . "No" . . "275896.35"^^ . "EP/E003052/1" . "Announced" . . "Control of Nuclear Spin Interactions in Solid-state NMR by MAS Sideband Manipulation" . . . . . . "The programme of work will develop the application of Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) imaging to atherosclerosis. FTIR imaging can be thought of as chemical photography whereby each pixel within an image corresponds to a complete FTIR spectrum that reflects the chemical composition at that point. FTIR imaging has enabled us to generate chemical images of healthy and atherosclerotic arterial tissue based on the absorbance of IR bands that correspond to specific lipid and protein components within the sample. Our preliminary work has already demonstrated the feasibility of using Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR)-FTIR spectroscopic imaging for studying arteries and atherosclerotic plaques. The enhanced spatial resolution that was achieved with micro ATR imaging (ca. 3 microns) will be used to analyse arterial samples in greater spatial and chemical detail, whilst the use of artificial neural networks and/or clustering analysis for multivariate treatment of imaging data will allow greater discrimination of different chemical species. We also aim to build a system that will enable us to use macro ATR-FTIR imaging to directly measure diffusion of model drug molecules and native lipoproteins into and across samples of arterial wall from the distribution of dr" . "The programme of work will develop the application of Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) imaging to atherosclerosis. FTIR imaging can be thought of as chemical photography whereby each pixel within an image corresponds to a complete FTIR spectrum that reflects the chemical composition at that point. FTIR imaging has enabled us to generate chemical images of healthy and atherosclerotic arterial tissue based on the absorbance of IR bands that correspond to specific lipid and protein components within the sample. Our preliminary work has already demonstrated the feasibility of using Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR)-FTIR spectroscopic imaging for studying arteries and atherosclerotic plaques. The enhanced spatial resolution that was achieved with micro ATR imaging (ca. 3 microns) will be used to analyse arterial samples in greater spatial and chemical detail, whilst the use of artificial neural networks and/or clustering analysis for multivariate treatment of imaging data will allow greater discrimination of different chemical species. We also aim to build a system that will enable us to use macro ATR-FTIR imaging to directly measure diffusion of model drug molecules and native lipoproteins into and across samples of arterial wall from the distribution of drug and characteristic lipoprotein IR bands at different timepoints. The data obtained will define the partitioning and spatial distribution of drugs in arterial samples. The ability to chemically image microscopic histological components within the plaque is an invaluable tool in order to further the understanding of the role lipoproteins and drugs play in disease progression and/or regression." . . "2007-03-15" . "2009-03-14" . "No" . . "188185.55"^^ . "EP/E003281/1" . "Announced" . . "FTIR Spectroscopic Imaging Applied to Atherosclerosis" . . . . . . "Non-scientific Summary:\r\rThe highly specific action of synthetic, robust catalytic molecules that can cleave and process nucleic acids not only underlies the essence of cellular life and the translation of the genetic message of an individual into their physical make-up, but also provides a substantial portion of the tools of modern chemical biology. The development of novel man-made chemical compounds imitating the active centre of some natural enzymes that are capable of damaging messenger RNA provides a basis for generating new useful tools of modern chemical biology, perhaps even drugs, affecting specific messenger RNAs and viral genetic material. Recently a considerable effort has been made in the creation of chemical ribonucleases, catalytic molecules capable of damaging RNA molecules irreversibly at desired positions. These compounds can potentially be applicable to a range of problems in biomedical areas and public healthcare and also in various areas of life sciences and chemical biology. However, the problem of unsatisfactory biological performance of metal-free chemical ribonucleases remains unsolved. \r\rRecently, in the frame of our collaborative work with a Russian research group, a new type of chemical nuclease, showing very unusual biological properties, was discovered. These novel compounds were constructed by chemical fusion of short, synthetic protein-like molecules with synthetic DNA fragments. The most remarkable feature of these novel catalytic molecules was that the short DNA fragment enormously enhanced the biological activity of a previously inactive protein-like molecule. Our preliminary study showed that the merger of these two chemical entities seems to produce a new, hybrid type of molecule that can synergistically combine the individual properties of the two components to yield a new and unusual biological ability. The DNA-like component seems to induce an `active` structure of the protein-like fragment and hence significantly enhance its catalytic performance. However, the basic, fundamental processes behind this unusual discovery have never been studied. The great challenge is therefore to provide an understanding at the molecular level of how these functionally significant entities (i.e. the short synthetic protein-like molecule and the short DNA fragment) interact with each other and mutually change their functions. \r\rThe aim of this proposal is therefore to determine the structural rules and molecular mechanisms which govern biological activity of these novel synthetic" . "Non-scientific Summary:\r\rThe highly specific action of synthetic, robust catalytic molecules that can cleave and process nucleic acids not only underlies the essence of cellular life and the translation of the genetic message of an individual into their physical make-up, but also provides a substantial portion of the tools of modern chemical biology. The development of novel man-made chemical compounds imitating the active centre of some natural enzymes that are capable of damaging messenger RNA provides a basis for generating new useful tools of modern chemical biology, perhaps even drugs, affecting specific messenger RNAs and viral genetic material. Recently a considerable effort has been made in the creation of chemical ribonucleases, catalytic molecules capable of damaging RNA molecules irreversibly at desired positions. These compounds can potentially be applicable to a range of problems in biomedical areas and public healthcare and also in various areas of life sciences and chemical biology. However, the problem of unsatisfactory biological performance of metal-free chemical ribonucleases remains unsolved. \r\rRecently, in the frame of our collaborative work with a Russian research group, a new type of chemical nuclease, showing very unusual biologic" . . "2007-01-01" . "2009-06-30" . "No" . . "205914.38"^^ . "EP/E003400/1" . "Announced" . . "Structure-based rational design of oligonucleotide-mediated chemical ribonucleases" . . . . . . "The process for designing with composite materials remains highly dependent on mechanical testing. This is time consuming and expensive. A more efficient process would involve increased use of modeling and simulation to iterate on designs. The core problem lies in the lack of good models for the failure processes that determine the strength and durability of composite structures. These processes are complicated and occur at several lengthscales. An effective modeling approach would be capable of working across multiple lengthscales and yet fit within the numerical frameworks (typically finite element models) commonly used in structural design and analysis. Cohesive zone models (CZM) have recently received considerable attention as offering a numerically efficient means of meeting these aims. They are readily embedded in finite element models, and yet can capture some of the key mechanisms occurring at several lengthscales. However, for the most part these models have not been independently calibrated and therefore have limited predictive capability. This proposal aims to address this limitation by applying a novel experimental technique, high resolution X-ray tomography, in combination with penetrants or particles to enhance contrast, to obtain the necessary data to allow independent calibration of cohesive zone models.\r\rHigh resolution X-ray tomography can allow sub-micro displacement and spatial resolution and strain resolution of less than 100 microstrain. This should be more than sufficient resolution to capture the damage-modified strain and displacement fields relevant to determining failure of composite structures. Such high resolution requires use of high-energy synchrotron radiation, so this work will be conducted in collaboration with the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility at Grenoble. Lower resolution work (1-10 micron resolution) will be performed with a lab-scale tomographic imager at Southampton University to be partially purchased by this grant.\r\rIn order to evaluate the efficacy of a cohesive zone model, an existing model created by collaborators at Rockwell Scientific will be used. This can be modified or substantially revised depending on the results of the experimental strain mapping. The problem of notch-tip damage and notched strength will be tackled as it represents a key test case that has hitherto proven difficult to model without resorting to calibration on the data set being modeled, which amounts to empirical curve fitting. \r\rThe work will be performed in conj" . "The process for designing with composite materials remains highly dependent on mechanical testing. This is time consuming and expensive. A more efficient process would involve increased use of modeling and simulation to iterate on designs. The core problem lies in the lack of good models for the failure processes that determine the strength and durability of composite structures. These processes are complicated and occur at several lengthscales. An effective modeling approach would be capable of working across multiple lengthscales and yet fit within the numerical frameworks (typically finite element models) commonly used in structural design and analysis. Cohesive zone models (CZM) have recently received considerable attention as offering a numerically efficient means of meeting these aims. They are readily embedded in finite element models, and yet can capture some of the key mechanisms occurring at several lengthscales. However, for the most part these models have not been independently calibrated and therefore have limited predictive capability. This proposal aims to address this limitation by applying a novel experimental technique, high resolution X-ray tomography, in combination with penetrants or particles to enhance contrast, to obtain t" . . "2006-11-13" . "2010-08-12" . "Yes" . . "390569.77"^^ . "EP/E003427/1" . "Announced" . . "In Situ Calibration of Cohesive Zone Models for Composite Damage" . . . . . . "The laser can become a scientific and industrial penknife. From studying the shortest of events, to precision machining for the fastest of aircraft, it already excels. Yet the potential is greater still. Systems exist with the performance to revolutionise biological imaging, to enable highly sensitive detection of pollutants, but they are often locked in the lab by their bulk, inefficiency and fragility. \rHigh performance from a high-power laser requires the efficient removal of heat. In contrast to conventional geometries, using a thin disk of laser material enables aggressive cooling and hence the generation of high powers with extraordinary efficiency. Yet these lasers are bulky. They also use a doped crystal as the material in which to generate the laser light: restricting operation to a limited range of colours. If semiconductors are used, the laser material can be grown with a microscopic layer structure - allowing the colour to be specified anywhere from the ultraviolet through the visible to the mid-infrared. However, generating high power in a good laser beam - a 'pencil of light' - is difficult. If a geometry very similar to a thin-disk laser is used, this problem can be neatly circumvented. This project aims to exploit these synergies to the be" . "The laser can become a scientific and industrial penknife. From studying the shortest of events, to precision machining for the fastest of aircraft, it already excels. Yet the potential is greater still. Systems exist with the performance to revolutionise biological imaging, to enable highly sensitive detection of pollutants, but they are often locked in the lab by their bulk, inefficiency and fragility. \rHigh performance from a high-power laser requires the efficient removal of heat. In contrast to conventional geometries, using a thin disk of laser material enables aggressive cooling and hence the generation of high powers with extraordinary efficiency. Yet these lasers are bulky. They also use a doped crystal as the material in which to generate the laser light: restricting operation to a limited range of colours. If semiconductors are used, the laser material can be grown with a microscopic layer structure - allowing the colour to be specified anywhere from the ultraviolet through the visible to the mid-infrared. However, generating high power in a good laser beam - a 'pencil of light' - is difficult. If a geometry very similar to a thin-disk laser is used, this problem can be neatly circumvented. This project aims to exploit these synergies to the benefit of both doped-crystalline and semiconductor solid-state lasers. New materials have recently become available - most notably cheaper high-quality diamond - that have the potential to keep systems cool and thus enable the generation of higher powers. Simultaneously, these heat transporting materials can contribute to the design of lasers that are more compact and robust. By applying mirror coatings to the material that generates the laser light, a one-piece laser can be built. These are much better adapted to the vibration and shock of mobile operation. Another major objective of this project is to understand thermal management in these systems to enable high-power, yet more robust, lasers. \rThe penknife is adaptable; the penknife is robust; the penknife is compact. The Advanced Disk Laser concept has the potential to be the laser designer's penknife." . . "2007-01-01" . "2009-12-31" . "Yes" . . "326664.85"^^ . "EP/E004903/1" . "Announced" . . "Advanced Disk Lasers: A New Horizon in Solid-State and Semiconductor Laser Design" . . . . . . "Our current EPSRC Materials Program Platform Grant, which started on 1 Dec 2002 and lasts 4 and a 1/2 years, underpins a program of research at Birmingham University into the science and applications of nanostructured surfaces, i.e., well-defined surface systems with lateral feature sizes in the range 1-100nm. Nanostructured surfaces present the possibility to organise, collect and address materials down to the level of individual molecules. The research is conducted in a collaboration between 6 departments at Birmingham (Physics, Materials, Biosciences, Medicine, Environmental Sciences, Chemistry) led by the Nanoscale Physics Research Laboratory (NPRL) headed by REP. \r\rThe proposal seeks to renew the Platform Grant and thus provide a stable foundation to enable adventurous research projects to be initiated, to sustain the skilled staffing of our highly sophisticated portfolio of experimental equipment, to support the career development of outstanding young researchers and to support and enhance interdisciplinary projects. The proposal is formally submitted by the NPRL Staff (Prof Palmer, Dr Guo, Dr Li, Dr Robinson, Dr Kaplan and Researcher Co-Investigator Dr Chen), and indirectly on behalf of our main collaborators on campus: Prof Heath, Prof Macaskie a" . "Our current EPSRC Materials Program Platform Grant, which started on 1 Dec 2002 and lasts 4 and a 1/2 years, underpins a program of research at Birmingham University into the science and applications of nanostructured surfaces, i.e., well-defined surface systems with lateral feature sizes in the range 1-100nm. Nanostructured surfaces present the possibility to organise, collect and address materials down to the level of individual molecules. The research is conducted in a collaboration between 6 departments at Birmingham (Physics, Materials, Biosciences, Medicine, Environmental Sciences, Chemistry) led by the Nanoscale Physics Research Laboratory (NPRL) headed by REP. \r\rThe proposal seeks to renew the Platform Grant and thus provide a stable foundation to enable adventurous research projects to be initiated, to sustain the skilled staffing of our highly sophisticated portfolio of experimental equipment, to support the career development of outstanding young researchers and to support and enhance interdisciplinary projects. The proposal is formally submitted by the NPRL Staff (Prof Palmer, Dr Guo, Dr Li, Dr Robinson, Dr Kaplan and Researcher Co-Investigator Dr Chen), and indirectly on behalf of our main collaborators on campus: Prof Heath, Prof Macaskie and Dr Meldrum, Biosciences; Prof Moss, Medicine (Cancer Research); Prof Harrison and Dr Lead, Environmental Sciences; Prof Jones, Materials; and Prof Preece and Dr Johnston, Chemistry. The annual research income of the NPRL is ~600k with a total current grant value above 2M. \r\rIn 1994 we published a 10 year research strategy for the Lab. This identifies three areas of particular opportunity: (i) the excited states of nanoscale systems, (ii) the interface to molecular biology and (iii) the translation of scientific innovations into industry via applied research. These programs will be underpinned by continuing work on the preparation, atomic structure and characterisation of nanoscale systems, including the development of novel instruments and processes. The research aims of the proposal for renewal mirror this research strategy. Since nanotechnology is regarded as a strategic frontier of both science and technology, the beneficiaries of the work will include both the international scientific community and UK industry.\r\rThe funding provided will support Dr Yu Chen to run the Nanoscale Science Facility, while the second post will support a series of other post-docs, typically in 6 month stints, who will initiate or complete important pieces of work, often" . . . "2007-07-01" . "2011-12-31" . "Yes" . . "1040465.54"^^ . "EP/E005918/1" . "Announced" . . "Materials Program Platform Grant: Nanostructured Surfaces" . . . . . . "There are relatively very few researchers in structural dynamics and aeroelasticity who are not satisfied with numerically based investigations such as the use of conventional finite element methods. These researchers endeavour to seek insight into profound and fundamental behaviour of structures, particularly made of composite materials that are increasingly being used in aeronautical design.The prinicipal investigator (PI) is one such researcher in the UK, whereas Professor Dewey Hodges (DH) of the Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT) and Professor Liviu Librescu (LL) of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) are two amongst the very few in the USA. The PI shares common research interests in structural dynamics and aeroelasticity with DH and LL who have outstanding record and international reputation in research. The PI intends to visit GIT and VPI for a week in each, to interact with DH, LL and their research teams. The visit will provide mutual motivation and enable the PI, DH and LL to exchange ideas and information in the areas of their research interest. It will thus be possible for the PI to prepare necessary ground work for future collaboration with GIT and VPI and initiate a programme of joint research within the field of aeroelasticity. The PI, DH and LL have overlapping as well as complementary expertise. The computer programmes developed by them will be exchanged. As a spin-off from the visit, the PI will attend the 47th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference and present a paper on the subject." . "There are relatively very few researchers in structural dynamics and aeroelasticity who are not satisfied with numerically based investigations such as the use of conventional finite element methods. These researchers endeavour to seek insight into profound and fundamental behaviour of structures, particularly made of composite materials that are increasingly being used in aeronautical design.The prinicipal investigator (PI) is one such researcher in the UK, whereas Professor Dewey Hodges (DH) of the Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT) and Professor Liviu Librescu (LL) of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) are two amongst the very few in the USA. The PI shares common research interests in structural dynamics and aeroelasticity with DH and LL who have outstanding record and international reputation in research. The PI intends to visit GIT and VPI for a week in each, to interact with DH, LL and their research teams. The visit will provide mutual motivation and enable the PI, DH and LL to exchange ideas and information in the areas of their research interest. It will thus be possible for the PI to prepare necessary ground work for future collaboration with GIT and VPI and initiate a programme of joint research within the field of aeroelasticity. T" . . "Wed Jun 28 01:00:00 BST 2006" . "Wed Sep 27 01:00:00 BST 2006" . "No" . . "8647.2"^^ . "EP/E006175/1" . "Announced" . . "Visit to Georgia Institute of Technology and Virginia Polytechnic Institute, USA" . "This proposal will make a key advance in our understanding of the process of bone growth. Of course, bone growth is very important to humans as bones form the skeleton, which provides mechanical support. In fact bones are a distinguishing feature of all animals which are vertebrates. The ability to make bones developed during evolution and there is evidence that it already existed 500Million years ago. \rOur bones are made of a mixture of a protein called collagen and a mineral called hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite is a calcium phosphate compound (hence the importance of calcium in the diet for healthy bones). Minerals like hydroxyapatite are normally made in geological processes, and similar processes can be used to make synthetic minerals in industry. However, the body uses a different approach to make the bone mineral hydroxyapatite.\rMost people think that bone growth is restricted to the early stages of life. Actually, during our whole lives bones are constantly remodelled by absorption and reformation processes. (When these processes malfunction illnesses can result, such as osteoporosis.) These processes necessarily involve the circulation of calcium and phosphate within the body, and these ions are present in the body fluid which circulates among cells. \rScientists already understand a lot about bone growth. During bone growth, calcium and phosphate ions from the body fluid are deposited at a site where new bone is required. These ions precipitate to form a solid calcium phosphate compound. Interestingly, the first compound formed is not the bone mineral hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite is formed by subsequent reactions from the first compound.\rSurprisingly, the structure of the first calcium phosphate compound formed is still unknown, over 50 years after it was discovered. It was given the name 'amorphous calcium phosphate' because it is not crystalline (amorphous means non-crystalline). Since it is not crystalline, it's structure cannot be identified using standard methods such as crystallography. Without knowing the structure of this compound, scientists are unable to describe the very early stage of bone formation, and hence a key piece of knowledge is missing.\rThis proposal will provide the missing knowledge by applying special techniques to identify the structure of amorphous calcium phosphate. These techniques are ones which scientists have developed to study glasses, such as window glass, which are also non-crystalline. The techniques include special diffraction experiments" . "This proposal will make a key advance in our understanding of the process of bone growth. Of course, bone growth is very important to humans as bones form the skeleton, which provides mechanical support. In fact bones are a distinguishing feature of all animals which are vertebrates. The ability to make bones developed during evolution and there is evidence that it already existed 500Million years ago. \rOur bones are made of a mixture of a protein called collagen and a mineral called hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite is a calcium phosphate compound (hence the importance of calcium in the diet for healthy bones). Minerals like hydroxyapatite are normally made in geological processes, and similar processes can be used to make synthetic minerals in industry. However, the body uses a different approach to make the bone mineral hydroxyapatite.\rMost people think that bone growth is restricted to the early stages of life. Actually, during our whole lives bones are constantly remodelled by absorption and reformation processes. (When these processes malfunction illnesses can result, such as osteoporosis.) These processes necessarily involve the circulation of calcium and phosphate within the body, and these ions are present in the body fluid which circulates" . . "2006-09-26" . "2009-09-25" . "Yes" . . "72862.49"^^ . "EP/E006337/1" . "Announced" . . "The structure of amorphous calcium phosphate, a key intermediate in skeletal calcification" . . . . . . "There is an increasing political and social demand for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly society. As a result of this, legislation is emerging that will affect the way in which products and processes are developed, manufactured and disposed of at the end of their useful lives. This legislation is stimulating the search for alternative crop-based materials, which are more environmentally friendly and can be disposed of more easily and cheaply than traditionally utilised materials.\rSignificant amounts of research are being undertaken throughout Europe, aiming to improve the performance and viability of more easily disposed of environmentally friendly materials so that they may replace more traditional systems. However a recent ESF workshop (ENVIROCOMP), led the applicant, has highlighted that this work is being hampered by a lack of coordination between research groups and supporting disciplines. It was also found that there existed a general lack of consumer and industry education and no coherent strategy from European governments, which has inhibited the adoption of the more environmentally friendly alternatives.\r \rThis proposed research programme will create a multi-disciplinary research team that will innovate at the interfaces of tr" . "There is an increasing political and social demand for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly society. As a result of this, legislation is emerging that will affect the way in which products and processes are developed, manufactured and disposed of at the end of their useful lives. This legislation is stimulating the search for alternative crop-based materials, which are more environmentally friendly and can be disposed of more easily and cheaply than traditionally utilised materials.\rSignificant amounts of research are being undertaken throughout Europe, aiming to improve the performance and viability of more easily disposed of environmentally friendly materials so that they may replace more traditional systems. However a recent ESF workshop (ENVIROCOMP), led the applicant, has highlighted that this work is being hampered by a lack of coordination between research groups and supporting disciplines. It was also found that there existed a general lack of consumer and industry education and no coherent strategy from European governments, which has inhibited the adoption of the more environmentally friendly alternatives.\r \rThis proposed research programme will create a multi-disciplinary research team that will innovate at the interfaces of traditional scientific and engineering disciplines and conduct adventurous research that provides a route to real solutions to real problems, with government, industrial and consumer support being evident from the outset, and create new opportunities for growers, manufacturers and society to benefit\r.\rThese aims will be achieved via a number of novel approaches that promote the diffusion of personnel across traditional academic borders, engage the general public and key decision makers in the development of science from the outset, promote national and international communication (networking), coordination, education and dissemination of best practice, whilst facilitating the future creation of multi-disciplinary, transnational research groups for the development, application and promotion of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials for long-term environmental, financial and social benefit. \r\rThis programme will also show how successful outcomes can be achieved by drawing together traditionally exclusive areas of research, whilst educating and supporting a range of researchers and students that will go on to provide tomorrow's multidisciplinary scientists and engineers." . . "2006-10-10" . "2011-10-09" . "Yes" . . "1067483.2"^^ . "EP/E007252/1" . "Announced" . . "Sustainable Materials - A Global Challenge" . . . . . . "This proposal aims to create an adventurous research programme in the area of multifunctional nanomaterial-enhanced polymers building the technological foundation for a variety of engineering innovations. It draws upon and furthers the development of the following most recent key scientific advances:\r1.\tin quality improvement and modification of carbon nanotubes and their application in functional nanocomposites\r2.\tin the synthesis of porous media via emulsion templating \r3.\tin nanoparticles as alternative surfactants including the synthesis of Janus, i.e. anisotropic two-faced, nanotubes and \r4.\tin microbial synthesis of renewable (Janus) nanomaterials and their applications in green nanocomposites.\rThe speculative nature of this research lies not only in the synthesis of bi-functional nanomaterials, but also in the use of guided self-assembly to create novel materials. The idea is to engineer innovative structural materials that can respond 'intelligently' to changes in their environment. The programme will explore the synthesis of anisotropic 'Janus'-particles, the development of scalable purification and modification processes for carbon nanotubes, and processes for manufacturing multifunctional materials. It will target applications in challenging environments, where extraordinary materials are in demand. The prime objectives of this proposal are to:\r1.\tfoster a system of innovation connecting engineering research, basic science advances, and end-users in the design, synthesis, process and application of novel multifunctional structural materials;\r2.\tform an Exploration Group that brings together a network of distinguished scientists, academic experts, young academics and industrial users from around the world;\r3.\tengage with the public, media professionals and policy makers with a view to educate and inform the public and potential users and receiving feedback from these groups. \rThe Exploration Group, as a network of excellence, will interact through a 'Roundtable of Ideas' programme. It consists of planned and ad hoc activities such as colloquia, workshops and ideas factories to generate 'Blue Skies' ideas and identify new research directions. The skills-set of the team will be enhanced through the exchange of research personnel. An interdisciplinary team of young researchers with a broad spectrum of skills in the area of multifunctional materials will be nurtured to take an internationally leading role in this field. This grant will provide the necessary space to think, be creative and flexible," . "This proposal aims to create an adventurous research programme in the area of multifunctional nanomaterial-enhanced polymers building the technological foundation for a variety of engineering innovations. It draws upon and furthers the development of the following most recent key scientific advances:\r1.\tin quality improvement and modification of carbon nanotubes and their application in functional nanocomposites\r2.\tin the synthesis of porous media via emulsion templating \r3.\tin nanoparticles as alternative surfactants including the synthesis of Janus, i.e. anisotropic two-faced, nanotubes and \r4.\tin microbial synthesis of renewable (Janus) nanomaterials and their applications in green nanocomposites.\rThe speculative nature of this research lies not only in the synthesis of bi-functional nanomaterials, but also in the use of guided self-assembly to create novel materials. The idea is to engineer innovative structural materials that can respond 'intelligently' to changes in their environment. The programme will explore the synthesis of anisotropic 'Janus'-particles, the development of scalable purification and modification processes for carbon nanotubes, and processes for manufacturing multifunctional materials. It will target applications in challenging en" . . . "2006-11-01" . "2011-10-31" . "Yes" . . "915468.68"^^ . "EP/E007538/1" . "Announced" . . "'Intelligent Adapters': A New Paradigm in Multifunctional Polymer NanoComposite Engineering" . . . . . . "Engineering Nanomaterials for and from Biology\r\rEngineering superior nanomaterials through greater understanding and exploitation of biology.\r\rIt is now commonly recognized that materials with nanometre-scale dimensions have unique functional properties that can lead to novel engineering systems with highly useful characteristics. Most traditional approaches to synthesis of nanoscale materials, unlike those in biology, require stringent conditions and often produce toxic byproducts. Within biology itself, biomaterials are highly organized from the molecular to the nanoscale, with intricate architectures that allow for optimum functionality. The focus for this proposal is two-fold. In the first instance (Engineering Nanomaterials from Biology) I aim to rationally design and exploit the specific biomolecular interactions between biomolecules (peptides) to control the assembly and dis-assembly of bio-inorganic nanostructures. The engineering of such a novel generation of nanomaterials has applications in bio-sensing, devices and drug delivery. The second focus (Engineering Nanomaterials for Biology) is on exploiting our understanding of the natural biological nanostructures found in the complex extracellular matrix of tissues in order to engineer synthetic biomimetic nanostructures for improved cell growth and tissue regeneration. \r\rI now have a large creative research team with many developing international links. If successful with this proposal I will be able to manage my group to its full potential and to expand its influence and vision. The proposed research involves development of many new international collaborations in the basic sciences and is highly multidisciplinary in nature encompassing elements of engineering, biology, chemistry and physics and ranging from high-resolution techniques of surface analysis to peptide design and cell biology." . "Engineering Nanomaterials for and from Biology\r\rEngineering superior nanomaterials through greater understanding and exploitation of biology.\r\rIt is now commonly recognized that materials with nanometre-scale dimensions have unique functional properties that can lead to novel engineering systems with highly useful characteristics. Most traditional approaches to synthesis of nanoscale materials, unlike those in biology, require stringent conditions and often produce toxic byproducts. Within biology itself, biomaterials are highly organized from the molecular to the nanoscale, with intricate architectures that allow for optimum functionality. The focus for this proposal is two-fold. In the first instance (Engineering Nanomaterials from Biology) I aim to rationally design and exploit the specific biomolecular interactions between biomolecules (peptides) to control the assembly and dis-assembly of bio-inorganic nanostructures. The engineering of such a novel generation of nanomaterials has applications in bio-sensing, devices and drug delivery. The second focus (Engineering Nanomaterials for Biology) is on exploiting our understanding of the natural biological nanostructures found in the complex extracellular matrix of tissues in order to engineer synthetic b" . . "2007-04-01" . "2012-03-31" . "Yes" . . "1025520.34"^^ . "EP/E007627/1" . "Announced" . . "Engineering Nanomaterials for and from Biology" . . . . . . "At the Eastman Dental Institute, we have recently acquired a diffractometer to investigate crystalline materials, and in particular, ceramics and glasses. A further purchase has allowed us to install a high temperature stage to look at how materials crystallise and melt at high temperature. However the detector we have whilst high resolution will only collect data very slowly and the physical processes we are interested in may occur quite rapidly. Thus in this proposal we have asked for funding to purchase a new very high speed detector to go with the instrument. Not only will this allow us to investigate phenomena such as melting in glasses, but also more generally, we will be able to run the facility for the UK biomaterials community as data collection times will be extremely short (high quality full pattern data can be collected in a few minutes as opposed to the current setup where we collect data overnight. We do currently run samples for a number of groups in the UK and hope to expand this access.\rThus we will be able to investigate interesting phenomena in some novel materials to give a greater understanding of their stability and reactivity but also be able to collect high quality data for users throughout the UK" . . "2006-07-01" . "2008-06-30" . "No" . . "31278.7"^^ . "EP/E007716/1" . "Announced" . . "A Fast Detector for Measurement of Phase Transitions in Calcium Phosphate Based Biomaterials" . . . . . . "The goal of tissue engineering is to use scaffolding materials and multipotent stem cells to produce tissue replacements. In engineering muscle, this is made more complex by the fact that the function of muscle is to produce force and therefore the scaffold has to be compliant and biodegradable. While great progress has been made towards this goal, a number of obstacles remain, including: 1) vascularization of the engineered muscle; 2) creation of effective interfaces between muscle and bone/artificial materials; 3) maturation of the muscle, since it is developmentally arrested; and 4) the development of normal muscle fibre size and strength. The result is that the current state-of-the-art tissue engineered muscles are 0.2mm thick and produce at best 35% of the relative force of a neonatal muscle. In order to make the engineered muscles bigger and increase their force production, we propose to use drugs to remove inhibitors of muscle growth and development, machines to stretch and electrically stimulate muscle growth and development, and genes to increase muscle fibre size and therefore force production. The research combines discoveries made in vivo studying muscle physiology with our engineered muscle model to try to make bigger, stronger and more adult muscle in culture." . "The goal of tissue engineering is to use scaffolding materials and multipotent stem cells to produce tissue replacements. In engineering muscle, this is made more complex by the fact that the function of muscle is to produce force and therefore the scaffold has to be compliant and biodegradable. While great progress has been made towards this goal, a number of obstacles remain, including: 1) vascularization of the engineered muscle; 2) creation of effective interfaces between muscle and bone/artificial materials; 3) maturation of the muscle, since it is developmentally arrested; and 4) the development of normal muscle fibre size and strength. The result is that the current state-of-the-art tissue engineered muscles are 0.2mm thick and produce at best 35% of the relative force of a neonatal muscle. In order to make the engineered muscles bigger and increase their force production, we propose to use drugs to remove inhibitors of muscle growth and development, machines to stretch and electrically stimulate muscle growth and development, and genes to increase muscle fibre size and therefore force production. The research combines discoveries made in vivo studying muscle physiology with our engineered muscle model to try to make bigger, stronger and more" . . "2007-04-30" . "2009-10-29" . "Yes" . . "209455.56"^^ . "EP/E008925/1" . "Announced" . . "Using drugs, machines, and genes to engineer functional muscle" . . . . . . "The UK Ceramics industry has witnessed a 50% reduction in manufacturing units and workers over the past 25 years. It is perceived that the greatest opportunities for innovation, with high value returns, lie in the high technology, technical and engineering ceramic sectors. For the benefit of the UK, it is important to be able to identify the key areas for growth and investment. With increased globalisation of markets and supply chains, there is a growing need for detailed overview of the global ceramics market and a Roadmap for future developments.\r\rThe 1st International Congress on Ceramics, a global event designed to facilitate discussion of major issues that face the ceramic and glass industries, will be held in Toronto, 25-29 June 2006. This unique meeting is structured in such a way that it will culminate in the production of a Global Roadmap for Ceramics. The primary themes are: Electronics, Energy, Environment, Cross-Sector Applications, Glass and Optical Materials, Consumer Products, Biology and Medicine. The ICC will be organised around five parallel workshops each day, in order to address the eight themes of the Roadmap. A group of nine UK academics, including two invited speakers, will attend the ICC in order deliver papers, but also to provide" . "The UK Ceramics industry has witnessed a 50% reduction in manufacturing units and workers over the past 25 years. It is perceived that the greatest opportunities for innovation, with high value returns, lie in the high technology, technical and engineering ceramic sectors. For the benefit of the UK, it is important to be able to identify the key areas for growth and investment. With increased globalisation of markets and supply chains, there is a growing need for detailed overview of the global ceramics market and a Roadmap for future developments.\r\rThe 1st International Congress on Ceramics, a global event designed to facilitate discussion of major issues that face the ceramic and glass industries, will be held in Toronto, 25-29 June 2006. This unique meeting is structured in such a way that it will culminate in the production of a Global Roadmap for Ceramics. The primary themes are: Electronics, Energy, Environment, Cross-Sector Applications, Glass and Optical Materials, Consumer Products, Biology and Medicine. The ICC will be organised around five parallel workshops each day, in order to address the eight themes of the Roadmap. A group of nine UK academics, including two invited speakers, will attend the ICC in order deliver papers, but also to provide early feedback to the UK ceramics community of the current state-of-the-art in the various sectors and an overview of the Roadmap for Ceramics. Detailed reports of the Roadmap will be prepared for the ceramics community." . . "2006-07-05" . "2007-03-04" . "No" . . "14987.2"^^ . "EP/E009271/1" . "Announced" . . "A Global Roadmap for Ceramics" . . . . . . "Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are electromagnetic waves on a surface of good metals coupled to oscillations of conduction electrons. The surface polariton is intrinsically a two-dimensional excitation, and SPPs can be used to reduce the problem of optical signals' manipulation from three to two dimensions. This significantly simplifies it and introduces additional opportunity for signal conditioning and control using properties of these waves on nanostructured surfaces and thin films. The SPP-based applications can form the basis of new devices for signal processing applications in future multiwavelength optical networks. As these networks evolve towards the nonlinear and quantum limits, new device functionalities to support these network technologies are required, and these devices must be necessarily compact and\rintegrable. The functionalities required are: tuneable dispersive properties for demultiplexing and routing of data carrying signals to different network nodes; polarization-selective properties - for polarization multiplexing to increase the data\rrates and decrease nonlinear interaction between channels; optical switching which requires a fast, high-contrast on-off transfer function; adaptive signal regeneration (both 3R -reshaping, retimin" . "Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are electromagnetic waves on a surface of good metals coupled to oscillations of conduction electrons. The surface polariton is intrinsically a two-dimensional excitation, and SPPs can be used to reduce the problem of optical signals' manipulation from three to two dimensions. This significantly simplifies it and introduces additional opportunity for signal conditioning and control using properties of these waves on nanostructured surfaces and thin films. The SPP-based applications can form the basis of new devices for signal processing applications in future multiwavelength optical networks. As these networks evolve towards the nonlinear and quantum limits, new device functionalities to support these network technologies are required, and these devices must be necessarily compact and\rintegrable. The functionalities required are: tuneable dispersive properties for demultiplexing and routing of data carrying signals to different network nodes; polarization-selective properties - for polarization multiplexing to increase the data\rrates and decrease nonlinear interaction between channels; optical switching which requires a fast, high-contrast on-off transfer function; adaptive signal regeneration (both 3R -reshaping, retiming and re-amplification and the 2R variant - which perform re-shaping without re-timing) for undoing any acquired non-linear and noise impairments as channels are dynamically allocated and routed around the network. Currently most of these functionalities require discrete, bulk electronic and fibre components to realise. It is very appealing if all of these could be implemented in a single compact and integrable device, ideally with some optical gain. This may be possible if surface plasmon polariton-based effects are deployed, which allow to achieve novel passive and active photonic devices such as tuneable wavelength and polarisation selective structures, if appropriate designs can be realised. Here we propose to demonstrate and investigate, for the first time, the basic principles of operation of photonic elements for optical networks with functionality underpinned by particular properties of surface plasmon polariton waves on the nanostructured metal surfaces and thin films. Polarisation and wavelength sensitive applications as well as active devices for amplification of SPP signals will be investigated, for applications in communications and signal processing." . . "2007-01-01" . "2010-05-31" . "Yes" . . "319157.2"^^ . "EP/E009948/1" . "Announced" . . "Surface plasmon devices for applications in communication and signal processing" . . . . . . "This project proposal addresses an emerging demand for lowcost, compact and flexible optical sources in the near- and mid-infrared wavelength regions due particularly to increasing need for sensing applications, e.g. environmental, clinical analysis, life sciences, food monitoring, pharmaceutical, security and forensics. The principal advantage of the frequency conversion approach introduced here is that the wavelength to be generated is not fixed at the wafer growth stage, but is instead determined by lithography in the post-growth processing. As such it is feasible to conceive of several devices, each with modest tunability, monolithically integrated on a single semiconductor chip. \r\rThis research builds on key technologies where we already have an extensive track record in semiconductor nonlinear optics, semiconductor ring lasers and III-V integration technologies. The minaturisation of infrared optical sources, in comparison to large and expensive desktop systems, will be enabled by fabricating the frequency conversion element within a high finesse semiconductor ring laser cavity." . . "2006-11-01" . "2009-10-31" . "No" . . "411124.29"^^ . "EP/E009972/1" . "Announced" . . "Copy of Integrated self-pumped optical frequency conversion and generation in semiconductor waveguides" . . . . . . "Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are electromagnetic waves on a surface of good metals coupled to oscillations of conduction electrons. The surface polariton is intrinsically a two-dimensional excitation, and SPPs can be used to reduce the problem of optical signals' manipulation from three to two dimensions. This significantly simplifies it and introduces additional opportunity for signal conditioning and control using properties of these waves on nanostructured surfaces and thin films. The SPP-based applications can form the basis of new devices for signal processing applications in future multiwavelength optical networks. As these networks evolve towards the nonlinear and quantum limits, new device functionalities to support these network technologies are required, and these devices must be necessarily compact and\rintegrable. The functionalities required are: tuneable dispersive properties for demultiplexing and routing of data carrying signals to different network nodes; polarization-selective properties - for polarization multiplexing to increase the data\rrates and decrease nonlinear interaction between channels; optical switching which requires a fast, high-contrast on-off transfer function; adaptive signal regeneration (both 3R -reshaping, retiming and re-amplification and the 2R variant - which perform re-shaping without re-timing) for undoing any acquired non-linear and noise impairments as channels are dynamically allocated and routed around the network. Currently most of these functionalities require discrete, bulk electronic and fibre components to realise. It is very appealing if all of these could be implemented in a single compact and integrable device, ideally with some optical gain. This may be possible if surface plasmon polariton-based effects are deployed, which allow to achieve novel passive and active photonic devices such as tuneable wavelength and polarisation selective structures, if appropriate designs can be realised. Here we propose to demonstrate and investigate, for the first time, the basic principles of operation of photonic elements for optical networks with functionality underpinned by particular properties of surface plasmon polariton waves on the nanostructured metal surfaces and thin films. Polarisation and wavelength sensitive applications as well as active devices for amplification of SPP signals will be investigated, for applications in communications and signal processing." . "Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are electromagnetic waves on a surface of good metals coupled to oscillations of conduction electrons. The surface polariton is intrinsically a two-dimensional excitation, and SPPs can be used to reduce the problem of optical signals' manipulation from three to two dimensions. This significantly simplifies it and introduces additional opportunity for signal conditioning and control using properties of these waves on nanostructured surfaces and thin films. The SPP-based applications can form the basis of new devices for signal processing applications in future multiwavelength optical networks. As these networks evolve towards the nonlinear and quantum limits, new device functionalities to support these network technologies are required, and these devices must be necessarily compact and\rintegrable. The functionalities required are: tuneable dispersive properties for demultiplexing and routing of data carrying signals to different network nodes; polarization-selective properties - for polarization multiplexing to increase the data\rrates and decrease nonlinear interaction between channels; optical switching which requires a fast, high-contrast on-off transfer function; adaptive signal regeneration (both 3R -reshaping, retimin" . . "2007-03-01" . "2011-01-31" . "Yes" . . "303346.64"^^ . "EP/E01013X/1" . "Announced" . . "Surface plasmon devices for applications in communication and signal processing" . . . . . . "The field of Tissue Engineering offers the possibility of generating replacement organs and tissue in response to loss or failure with obvious application in human health care.\r\rOne of the many challenges that must be met to achieve wide application of this principle is the provision of guidance to cell positioning in the early stages of tissue formation. A common strategy is to support cells using synthetic scaffolds, designed to degrade gradually leaving cells supported by the extra cellular matrix that they produce naturally over time. \r\rThe problem of initial poor cell adhesion to synthetic polymers commonly used in tissue engineering and poor ingress of cells into the scaffold centre has been widely reported in the literature. One method (proof-of-principle) that has been explored at Nottingham is to promote cell adhesion and ingress by chemically functionalising the scaffold using plasma deposition. However, to date the characteristic penetration depth (e-folding length) of the deposit from the scaffold periphery is only about 1 mm. \r\rIn this feasibility study, we shall attempt to develop a low pressure pulsed polymerising plasma struck in monomers such as allyl amine which has the characteristics (plasma parameters in on and off time of the pulse) necessary to allow penetration of the plasma into pours of reduced dimensions and over much large distances. This will allow a scale up from small scale scaffold discs treated currently to 'real-world' scaffolds for cartilage, bone or other large tissue engineering applications." . "The field of Tissue Engineering offers the possibility of generating replacement organs and tissue in response to loss or failure with obvious application in human health care.\r\rOne of the many challenges that must be met to achieve wide application of this principle is the provision of guidance to cell positioning in the early stages of tissue formation. A common strategy is to support cells using synthetic scaffolds, designed to degrade gradually leaving cells supported by the extra cellular matrix that they produce naturally over time. \r\rThe problem of initial poor cell adhesion to synthetic polymers commonly used in tissue engineering and poor ingress of cells into the scaffold centre has been widely reported in the literature. One method (proof-of-principle) that has been explored at Nottingham is to promote cell adhesion and ingress by chemically functionalising the scaffold using plasma deposition. However, to date the characteristic penetration depth (e-folding length) of the deposit from the scaffold periphery is only about 1 mm. \r\rIn this feasibility study, we shall attempt to develop a low pressure pulsed polymerising plasma struck in monomers such as allyl amine which has the characteristics (plasma parameters in on and off time of the pulse)" . . "2006-12-13" . "2008-06-12" . "No" . . "32188.32"^^ . "EP/E01044X/1" . "Announced" . . "Scale-up feasibility of plasma deposition in 3D tissue engineering scaffolds" . . . . . . "The field of Tissue Engineering offers the possibility of generating replacement organs and tissue in response to loss or failure with obvious application in human health care.\r\rOne of the many challenges that must be met to achieve wide application of this principle is the provision of guidance to cell positioning in the early stages of tissue formation. A common strategy is to support cells using synthetic scaffolds, designed to degrade gradually leaving cells supported by the extra cellular matrix that they produce naturally over time. \r\rThe problem of initial poor cell adhesion to synthetic polymers commonly used in tissue engineering and poor ingress of cells into the scaffold centre has been widely reported in the literature. One method (proof-of-principle) that has been explored at Nottingham is to promote cell adhesion and ingress by chemically functionalising the scaffold using plasma deposition. However, to date the characteristic penetration depth (e-folding length) of the deposit from the scaffold periphery is only about 1 mm. \r\rIn this feasibility study, we shall attempt to develop a low pressure pulsed polymerising plasma struck in monomers such as allyl amine which has the characteristics (plasma parameters in on and off time of the pulse) necessary to allow penetration of the plasma into pours of reduced dimensions and over much large distances. This will allow a scale up from small scale scaffold discs treated currently to 'real-world' scaffolds for cartilage, bone or other large tissue engineering applications." . "The field of Tissue Engineering offers the possibility of generating replacement organs and tissue in response to loss or failure with obvious application in human health care.\r\rOne of the many challenges that must be met to achieve wide application of this principle is the provision of guidance to cell positioning in the early stages of tissue formation. A common strategy is to support cells using synthetic scaffolds, designed to degrade gradually leaving cells supported by the extra cellular matrix that they produce naturally over time. \r\rThe problem of initial poor cell adhesion to synthetic polymers commonly used in tissue engineering and poor ingress of cells into the scaffold centre has been widely reported in the literature. One method (proof-of-principle) that has been explored at Nottingham is to promote cell adhesion and ingress by chemically functionalising the scaffold using plasma deposition. However, to date the characteristic penetration depth (e-folding length) of the deposit from the scaffold periphery is only about 1 mm. \r\rIn this feasibility study, we shall attempt to develop a low pressure pulsed polymerising plasma struck in monomers such as allyl amine which has the characteristics (plasma parameters in on and off time of the pulse)" . . "2006-11-01" . "2008-07-31" . "No" . . "125721.58"^^ . "EP/E010962/1" . "Announced" . . "Scale-up feasibility of plasma deposition in 3D tissue engineering scaffolds" . . . . . . "The Device Materials Group is unique in a UK materials science department in maintaining a capability for materials and device fabrication in conjunction with detailed functional characterisation. At the most fundamental level, we aim to improve the understanding of how physical properties depend on the nanoscale structure of materials and interfaces, and how these may be controlled by processing. As well as maintaining world-leading research on superconductivity, with recent exciting discoveries of new functions in materials having related compositions and/or structures we have been able to transfer our skills and facilities to these with great success. A long publication list and a large number of recently awarded grants gives a clear picture of the great breadth of our research in the general area of novel functional materials. \rMuch of our work is dependent on the ability to feedback rapidly from functional and structural characterisation to processing and fabrication. With a few exceptions, the Group has developed its activities without access to state of the art turn-key measurement facilities. Instead, the group has supported the development of a wide variety of home-built and instrumented electrical transport measurements. Although these measurement systems operate well, they require considerable support from a small number of experienced staff who fully understand the construction and software. \rThe rapid expansion in our research activity has meant that physical property measurements represent a significant bottleneck in studying new materials and devices. Our principal requirement is thus for a system capable of automatically performing standard measurements on a wide range of materials. Most leading laboratories across the world have access to modular, turn-key measurement facilities such as the Quantum Design Physical Properties Measurements System. The flexible architecture of such systems allows users to expand the system's capabilities to suit their needs and to incorporate improvements in instrumentation as they become available. The basic system is designed to be used automatically by experts and non-experts alike to measure for example heat capacity, electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, magnetic anisotropy and Hall effect, over a wide range of temperature and magnetic field." . "The Device Materials Group is unique in a UK materials science department in maintaining a capability for materials and device fabrication in conjunction with detailed functional characterisation. At the most fundamental level, we aim to improve the understanding of how physical properties depend on the nanoscale structure of materials and interfaces, and how these may be controlled by processing. As well as maintaining world-leading research on superconductivity, with recent exciting discoveries of new functions in materials having related compositions and/or structures we have been able to transfer our skills and facilities to these with great success. A long publication list and a large number of recently awarded grants gives a clear picture of the great breadth of our research in the general area of novel functional materials. \rMuch of our work is dependent on the ability to feedback ra